How to get the most out of a Meeting

How many of you have too many meetings? Sometimes it seems like half your day is consumed by them. Do you ever walk out of a meeting and think "that was a waste of time".

Meetings certainly can be a drain on your schedule but they can also put you in line for the next promotion. They can elevate your status with your peers and your superiors.

Besides eliminating meetings that you don't need to be in or cutting your meeting down to a shorter time here are three things that I believe will help you maximize your productivity when it comes to meetings:

1. Go in Prepared - Study the materials provided in the meeting invite. Walking in cold to a meeting automatically puts you at a disadvantage because you usually have to spend the first several minutes getting up to speed on what's going on.
2. Pay Attention - During the meeting don't multi-task. Stay engaged. Put your cell phone down. Take notes. Ask questions.
3. Replay the Meeting - Repeat the main points of the meeting to yourself after you walk out. Read your notes and add comments. Write a followup email if you think of questions you didn't ask during the meeting.

If you are willing to spend the small amount of extra time to do these three simple things I believe you will minimize the amount of time you are wasting and have a more productive outcome.

Your Turn - What are some ways you have improved your meetings?