Your meeting

Many people complain that meetings are a waste of time. By being better prepared, you can convert waste time into achievement time.


Even though you didn't call the meeting, you can have your own agenda. Be careful, because having an agenda that is contrary to the spirit of them meeting will cause conflict - usually an even bigger waste of time. If your agenda is in harmony with the purpose of the meeting, it will help focus your mind on things that will improve your worklife and goals.


Write your goals for the meeting on paper - via the printer if you prefer electronic writing. This step forces you to articulate what you want to accomplish. "We need a governance strategy" is not sufficient. Write down the governance strategy you think is required. "We need a multi-department committee to review procedures" is an actionable proposal. Keep in mind that your proposals are unlikely to be accepted in their entirety, or they may be rejected altogether. Most often, however, you will be in a meeting where you have the most concrete ideas; this will encourage others to support them.


It's your time, embrace the meetings as opportunities to speak up and accomplish your goals.