BIG's Blog: What’s on the agenda?

Webster’s Dictionary defines agenda as "a list or program of things to be done." Why is it that we attend meetings that don’t accomplish anything on the agenda?

Don’t use “Topic One” to recap the last meeting.  Don’t let “Topic 2” be a discussion on what we are thinking about doing in the future.  An agenda should be specific.  Decide to implement a plan (or whatever your project) and state its beginning or completion date.

Prior to the meeting, supporting documents should be sent to attendees for review.  This allows for any questions or concerns to be discussed and agreed upon.  If everyone is prepared a decision can be made quickly. 

The next time an agenda is distributed make sure only action items are listed. The goal of a good meeting is to make something happen. 

-Gail 

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