Torture. Why didn't I think of that? Leave it to the military to figure out the most efficient way to do things!
Andy Lester, you do have a point that punishing latecomers puts the focus on them. If they are passive aggressive types (à la Almostgotit) this could only give them the attention they crave.
Hmmm. It sort of brings us back to torture. . . . .
Working Girlof WA12:54PM August 07, 2008
I disagree with the punishment on latecomers, because it's a distraction. Thinking about the latecomers, or worse, delaying the meeting waiting for them to arrive, is the big time-waster.
In my meetings, if it's a 2:00 meeting, then at 2:00 the meeting starts, and the assembled group carries on as best they can. If the missing person is a linchpin, then at 2:01 the meeting breaks up to be rescheduled later.
Andy Lesterof IL12:03AM August 07, 2008
Well-written and to the point. Thank you. Preach this, my sister!
Andrew G.R.of NY7:55PM August 06, 2008
I truly believe that there's nothing more energizing than a purposeful meeting. When there's a confluence of ideas, everyone leaves with a long to-do list, and the big-picture has been crystalllized in everyone's mind, that's the stuff of great meetings. In my opinion, the number 1 most important tip when planning a meeting is to make sure there's a point. There's nothing more discouraging than a mandatory meeting with no point!
Erika with Qvisoryof WA6:55PM August 06, 2008
If people are late, don't stop everything, back up and say everything over again for them. This is one of the most common and disruptive things that meeting organizers do. Not only does it reward latecomers (esp. if they are passive-aggressive types who like the extra attention) but it also punishes everyone who came on time.
almostgotit.comof TN2:51PM August 06, 2008
When I was in the Air Force, my Wing Commander would let anyone talk as long as they liked, so long as their hand was immersed in a champagne bucket of ice water. I don't recall a staff meeting that ever lasted more than 15 minutes.
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Working Girl of WA 12:54PM August 07, 2008
Andy Lester of IL 12:03AM August 07, 2008
Andrew G.R. of NY 7:55PM August 06, 2008
Erika with Qvisory of WA 6:55PM August 06, 2008
almostgotit.com of TN 2:51PM August 06, 2008
Chilly Willy of MO 2:13PM August 06, 2008