--- title: How to Make Meetings More Productive in 6 Steps | Catapult Groups description: Meetings are an effective way to share information and generate ideas. But as everyone knows, they can also be a waste of time and a terrible drain on morale and resources. With a little advance work and the willingness to stick to a schedule, it’s possible to conduct meetings… image: https://catapultgroups.com/hubfs/How-to-Make-Meetings-More-Productive-in-6-Steps.jpg --- [Skip Navigation or Skip to Content](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/decision-making/how-to-make-your-meetings-more-productive#skipToMain) [![catapult-groups-logo-white](https://catapultgroups.com/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/catapult-groups-logo-white.png)](https://catapultgroups.com) - [About](https://catapultgroups.com#about) - [Services](https://catapultgroups.com#services) - [Who We Serve](https://catapultgroups.com#whoweServe) - [Contact](https://catapultgroups.com/contact-us) [Apply for Membership](https://catapultgroups.com/grow-your-business-minimize-risk-2) ![](https://catapultgroups.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How-to-Make-Meetings-More-Productive-in-6-Steps.jpg?height=500&name=How-to-Make-Meetings-More-Productive-in-6-Steps.jpg) # How to Make Meetings More Productive in 6 Steps Posted By: [Brad Mishlove](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/author/brad-mishlove) 3 Min Read Meetings are an effective way to share information and generate ideas. But as everyone knows, they can also be [a waste of time](https://catapultgroups.com/the-top-5-meeting-mistakes-youre-making-right-now/) and a terrible drain on morale and resources. With a little advance work and the willingness to stick to a schedule, it’s possible to conduct meetings that produce results. Here are tips for more effective meetings in your workplace. ## 1. Know why you’re having a meeting. In some organizations, it’s common to hold meetings for no other reason than “That’s what we’ve always done.” Meetings without a purpose are what give this activity such a bad name. Before scheduling your next meeting, ask: [What’s the intended goal](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/6-tips-for-a-more-productive-workplace)? Do I need to see the entire team in person, or can I update everyone via email? It’s up to you to determine whether there’s value in meeting at all. ## 2. Know who should attend. Another common practice is inviting many people to a meeting that’s meant only for a few. If the meeting isn’t relevant to an individual’s job or duties, leave him or her out. (This is why knowing a meeting’s purpose is so useful; it guides the selection of participants who can truly help achieve the intended goals.) ## 3. Distribute an agenda beforehand. When people turn up cold for a meeting, a lot of time is wasted with introductory remarks and time-consuming explanations. In advance of the next meeting, send a detailed agenda to invited participants. Ask each attendee for a brief reply about each agenda item. This way, everyone involved has given some thought to the meeting; their responses can help shape the forthcoming discussion; and their feedback may indicate how much meeting time each item requires. ## 4. Make and enforce ground rules. When a discussion gets bogged down and no one steps in to intervene, the meeting is wasted. Prevent this by taking a few simple measures: - Include an allotted time-schedule for each item on the final meeting. - Allow participants to respond to each agenda item without interruption. - Let people know the leader of the meeting (you) will intervene if the discussion gets sidetracked or things get too heated. ## 5. Get serious about the time. Never start a meeting late. This sends the message you’re not serious about how long things will take (and encourages chronic latecomers not to change their ways). Appoint a time-keeper to monitor the schedule. This helps focus the discussion and demonstrates your intent to keep the meetings short and productive. ## 6. Produce action steps and meeting notes. Every meeting should close with a recap of the discussion and assignment of key action steps. Attendees should leave the meeting with a clear understanding of their specific responsibilities. In a day or two, [send out meeting notes](http://www.wildapricot.com/articles/how-to-write-effective-meeting-minutes) (including what’s been decided and who takes the next steps) to each participant. This document serves as a record for what took place at the meeting and as a valuable road-map for future action. ## The Proactive Approach Productive meetings don’t *just happen*. They require preparation and follow-through to generate results. Otherwise, it’s just a bunch of people sitting around talking—which is rarely helpful for a growing business. *If you’re ready to ready to grow as a leader and actively inspire the people who work for you, join other CEOs, managers and senior-level executives in a confidential group setting where you’ll be challenged and rewarded like never before in your professional life. Learn more about* [*becoming a Catapult Group member*](https://catapultgroups.com/) *today.* ## Recommended For You [![How to Keep a Meeting on Track & Under Control in 9 Easy Ways | Catapult Groups](https://catapultgroups.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Keep%20a%20Meeting%20on%20Track%20%26%20Under%20Control%20in%209%20Easy%20Ways.jpg)](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/leadership-skills/keep-meeting-on-track) 7 Min Read ### How to Keep a Meeting on Track & Under Control in 9 Easy Ways Do your meetings have a purpose or are they just filling a regular slot on your weekly calendar? When you meet with direct reports, who guides the meeting, you or them? Do these ... [Read More](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/leadership-skills/keep-meeting-on-track) Posted By: [Brad Mishlove](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/author/brad-mishlove) [![The Top 5 Meeting Mistakes You’re Making Right Now | Catapult Groups](https://catapultgroups.com/hubfs/The%20Top%205%20Meeting%20Mistakes%20You%E2%80%99re%20Making%20Right%20Now.jpg)](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/decision-making/the-top-5-meeting-mistakes-youre-making-right-now) 4 Min Read ### The Top 5 Meeting Mistakes You’re Making Right Now You can tell when a business meeting has gone horribly wrong. People get distracted, all the energy has been sucked from the room and one person seems to drone on forever (could ... [Read More](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/decision-making/the-top-5-meeting-mistakes-youre-making-right-now) Posted By: [Brad Mishlove](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/author/brad-mishlove) [![Why Are One-on-One Meetings Important? | Catapult Groups](https://catapultgroups.com/hubfs/Why%20Are%20One-on-One%20Meetings%20Important%3F.jpg)](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/leadership-skills/why-are-one-on-one-meetings-important) 2 Min Read ### Why Are One-on-One Meetings Important? [Read More](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/leadership-skills/why-are-one-on-one-meetings-important) Posted By: [Brad Mishlove](https://catapultgroups.com/blog/author/brad-mishlove) [![catapult-groups-logo-white](https://catapultgroups.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20sitepage%20images/catapult-groups-logo-white.png?width=287&height=67&name=catapult-groups-logo-white.png)](https://catapultgroups.com/) Las Vegas' premier CEO advisory and mastermind firm. 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