Many meetings are time-consuming and end without concrete decisions. Here are proven principles for efficient meetings that lead to fast, informed decisions:

• Use Meetings Only for Decision-Making, Not for Information Exchange: Ban PowerPoint presentations from your meetings. Instead, send a Word document with facts, conclusions, and recommendations before the meeting. This allows participants to prepare in advance and focus on decision-making during the meeting. Require confirmation from attendees that they have read the information beforehand to ensure everyone is prepared.
• Clear Agenda with Meeting Leadership and Timeframe for Each Item: The meeting leader ensures that the agenda with timeframes is adhered to and that all participants are guided toward a decision. If the meeting deviates from the topic, the timeframe is not adhered to, or unnecessary details are discussed, it is crucial to postpone the decision.
• Meeting Summary with Decisions and Who Does What by When: After each meeting, a brief summary needs to be written within 24 hours, clearly documenting what was decided, who is responsible for each task, and by when it should be completed.

Efficient meetings are key for a productive and goal-oriented workflow. Optimize your time and resources with precise meeting preparation, a clear agenda with timeframes, a summary of decisions, and follow-up on results.

Contact me at ak@aklein-consult.com if you want to improve your meeting culture!