Start with the end in mind
Stephen Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) popularised the phase; “start with the end in mind.” Never was it more true than of meetings.
If you want to get the most out of meetings, take a few moments to clarify your objectives.
Connect these objectives into an agenda - written, mailed, whiteboard, or simply spoken plainly.
However an agenda is prepared, you’ll make the most of meetings by having one or a limited number of clear objectives:
• Agree objectives at the outset
• prior to the meeting gather together and share any useful background information
• by-pass small talk early in the meeting which can take your meeting right off track
• be clear about
o decisions
o take out items
o “to dos” and other tasks
o accountabilities
o what’s next
• confirm that you’ve achieved your objectives.
If you start a meeting with the end in mind you’re a whole lot more likely to reach your desired destination.
Copyright 2008 Julian Midwinter & Associates
