Are you making the most out of your meetings? Can you skim down your meetings to 20 minutes instead of an hour? It sounds like challenge, but you can make your meetings for effective and efficient.

In Part One, I discussed how adequate planning can set the stage for a productive meeting. If you’ve worked ahead to write an agenda, choose your action items and trim down the attendee list, moving into the meeting will be much easier.

Meeting: Melba strives to make each meeting a “working session,” in which the action items are settled and crossed off the to-do list.

• She recommends introducing everyone in the meeting and explaining each person’s role in the project. If necessary, give some background on what was discussed in the previous meeting.
• If you are a manager meeting with members of your team, an article from B-Net suggests you make sure everyone has done his or her homework for the meeting. If not, stop and reschedule, so no time is wasted and your team members know it’s necessary to come prepared.
• Establish the goal for the meeting.
• Start the meeting on time. Many people have back-to-back meetings, and if one runs long it can affect the entire day.
• Then, lead the meeting, focusing on bringing the action-items to conclusions.
• At the end of the meeting, reiterate what was discussed and confirm what will happen going forward. Will there be another meeting? What is each person’s responsibility?

 

Every year, Earth Day encourages us all to look at our daily routines and find ways to be kinder to the environment. From recycling to unplugging appliances to carpooling, the suggestions to make your home greener are numerous.

As we’re all in the mood today to make our lives more eco-friendly, let’s not forget to include the area where we spend a good chunk of our lives: the workplace. More specifically, how can you make your meetings greener?

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to take full advantage of evolving technology. As budgets get tighter, companies are cutting back on travel, which is helping not only their wallets, but also the environment.

Ever wonder how much carbon your daily commute produces? I just learned my 30-mile commute releases 20 pounds of carbon each way. Yikes! A 1,350-mile transatlantic flight releases a ton. That’s where conferencing technology can make a world of difference.
To see just how much carbon your daily commute produces, visit PGi’s Carbon Calculator

If your meeting must be face-to-face, here are some tips for running a greener meeting:
• Avoid printing unnecessary handouts or print double-sided copies to avoid waste. Print handouts on recycled paper.
• Offer reusable coffee mugs instead of styrofoam.
• If food is involved, plan to recycle all plastic, aluminum and cardboard containers, or use reusable dishes.
• Open the mini-blinds to use natural lighting whenever possible.