When there is a conference call or a meeting taking place, multitasking is not a desirable skill. The business2community.com website claims that by assigning tasks, proposing agenda and defining the purpose of a meeting, you can get the most out of your team discussions and meetings.
Agenda is obligatory
Stick to the agenda once it is set. An agenda is essential because everyone has to, at least have a clue what the meeting will be about and what are the expected results. Or, well, at last someone should have a clue. Nothing is worse than gathering successful, important people, with busy schedules, then finding that no one knows why they are actually meeting. A clear prepared agenda, with timed topics helps to drive the discussion. First is the agenda, second is the call or meeting, it just doesn’t work the other way round. It is Important to stick to the issues and topics that are on the agenda. You want the conversation to be kept on the track, because only then is the meeting truly effective.
Meetings must have a clear purpose
Especially when it is a regularly scheduled one. How do you know that you would not be better off with more time to do your work instead of meeting with your team for 2 hours every Thursday? You can decide this only when you have a clear idea of what the goals of the meetings are. Discuss with your team what they want to achieve by regular meetings. A brainstorming session for a new product launch, strategy reviews… Define the purpose before you sit down.
Tasks for everyone
A conference call where only two people are talking and engaging in the conversation is not the type of call you want. How to prevent the rest of the team just being quiet or on mute? Assign them discussion topics and specific tasks. Each individual will have a contribution, will be more engaged and will pay more attention. Everyone should lead a portion of the conference call and not be engaging in multitasking.
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