{"id":52008,"date":"2021-05-10T04:47:20","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T09:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/?p=52008"},"modified":"2022-10-10T10:16:13","modified_gmt":"2022-10-10T15:16:13","slug":"the-secret-to-great-meetings-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fullfocus.co\/the-secret-to-great-meetings-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"The Secret to Great Meetings: Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever sat in a meeting and wondered what was happening or where the conversation was going? Maybe the point of everything seemed lost. It\u2019s frustrating when no one in the meeting knows what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably attended several meetings like this, and maybe now you\u2019re in a position of scheduling meetings yourself. I\u2019ll let you in on a secret: meetings don\u2019t have to feel like an aimless march. Great meetings are possible. They just require preparation.<\/p>\n

Here are three ways to set yourself up for a great meeting:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Designate a meeting leader and facilitator.<\/strong> While a meeting leader is a strategic role, the facilitator handles meeting processes. Leaders determine a meeting\u2019s purpose and own the results, as well as drive the meeting and discussion forward. Facilitators, on the other hand, are responsible for preparing the agenda with the leader\u2019s input, distributing the agenda, keeping time, taking and distributing notes, and following up on any action items. Sometimes in smaller meetings, the leader and facilitator are the same person. But it\u2019s often a good idea to keep them separate. Both roles are vital for successful and efficient meetings.<\/li>\n
  2. Construct a carefully planned agenda.<\/strong> An agenda creates clarity for the meeting leader and participants. First, it should include a meeting title, the date and time, and a participant list. Next, specify the meeting\u2019s primary purpose in a concise statement, along with two or three desired outcomes. Finally, outline a program for the meeting. This will track the flow of discussion items and the allocated time for each topic, including any notes or resources that may be relevant. By taking a few minutes to plan the agenda, you\u2019ll eliminate the dangers of having an unnecessary meeting or, worse, one where nobody knows what they\u2019re doing.<\/li>\n
  3. Pick the right setting.<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s an in-person or virtual meeting, it\u2019s important that the environment contributes to and doesn\u2019t distract from the creative vision. From a clean space and natural light, to comfortable chairs and healthy snacks, keeping participants engaged is key to a productive meeting. If you\u2019re virtual, find a spot with minimal background noise, a tidy background, and balanced light. This helps you and fellow participants maintain focus and cultivates purposeful collaboration, even when you\u2019re not in the same room.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Meeting preparation is time-consuming, but there\u2019s too much riding on everyone\u2019s time and resources to just wing it. Putting in the effort on the front-end will ensure results during execution. Because when you\u2019re prepared, not only do you have a clear goal and a way to measure your progress toward that goal, but you\u2019ll also see huge returns in team morale and productivity. How can you start planning ahead for great meetings?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Meetings are frustrating for all involved when nobody is sure what is going on. You can avoid this with just a few steps of pre-meeting prep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":52011,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,29],"tags":[104,30],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Secret to Great Meetings: Preparation | Full Focus<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Meetings are frustrating for all involved when nobody is sure what is going on. 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