Have you ever attended a meeting where you feel you haven’t achieved anything? That your voice wasn’t heard? That no progress was made? That it wasn’t clear who was doing what? If so, you won’t be alone. The good news is, there are things you can do about all these problems. Whatever the roles are at a meeting, everyone present needs to take collective responsibility for the meeting to ensure the time is used productively. To do this, each participant needs to take personal responsibility to ensure they are making their best contribution. Ask yourself: Are my presentations concise? Am I able to make a proposal succinctly? Do my contributions hold the correct level of impact? Do my behaviours advocate consultation, constructive discussion and debate, and the free exchange of ideas - without going off-topic? How can I help to manage the meeting process with respect to its agenda, timeliness, and ensuring useful outcomes?
