Here's how you can optimize discussions in Systems Engineering meetings.

To facilitate dialogue and inputs in meetings, employ several effective methods. Start by setting a clear agenda and sharing it beforehand, giving participants time to prepare. Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses and diverse viewpoints. Implement round-robin discussions, where each team member has the opportunity to speak, ensuring all voices are heard. Encourage active listening by summarizing key points and asking follow-up questions. Utilize collaboration tools like virtual whiteboards or polls to gather input from everyone, including those who might be less vocal. Finally, create a respectful and inclusive environment where all contributions are valued and recognized.

Documentation is a vital piece in systems engineering. As SE involves lot of discussions, at the end of each it is in the interest of all stakeholders to have the decisions documented. This supports to establish thorough rapport through clarity amongst all and also helps to pick up easily when it requires to have subsequent follow-ups. For small projects, slight lapse in documentation may not seem to have an impact. In larger projects, where there are too many teams involved , it is the documentation which pivots out to be the back-bone.

Every MoM is only complete with below 3 attributes : - action item - responsible person/team - due date / follow-up date Without identifying the above 3, discussions just would end in an open note where nobody feels responsible to take action. Follow-up meetings helps to track on the progress made from the last meeting until now.

Discussion optimisation heavily depends upon ensuring the right participants are available for the discussion. All the subject experts and relevant stakeholders need to be available together to ensure the correct and complete perspective of the topic is contemplated effectively.