I hate, hate, HATE pointless meetings.
You know the type of thing… Loads of things get discussed. But no actions result.
What was the point?
Here are four simple steps, to ensure your meetings always trigger action.
#1 Before the meeting, create an Actions Table
- Before the meeting, create a three-column Actions Table
- The column headings are who/what/when
- Have this blank table ready to complete during the meeting
#2 During the meeting, complete the Actions Table
- At the end of each agenda item – before moving to the next item – ask: “What are our actions from that agenda item?”
- Write each item’s action(s) in the table – who is doing what action, by when – new row for each new action
- Write the action(s) in the Actions Table now – as in, during the meeting
- That way, as you finish your final agenda item, you have a completed table, confirming all the actions
#3 Immediately after the meeting, send the Table
- Because you completed the Actions Table during the meeting…
- …you can immediately send it to all attendees
- If it’s needed, add a note saying something like “please make sure you do your actions by the due date” or some such
#4 Before meeting #2, check-in about meeting #1’s actions
- 1-2 days before your next meeting…
- …contact everyone, to make sure they’ve done their actions in the Actions Table
- Maybe add a comment saying that – if someone hasn’t done it yet – please do so before Meeting #2 etc
This Tip is super-easy.
It doesn’t have to be the owner of the meeting who creates the table. It can be delegated.
But, as long as someone completes it during the meeting – and then shares it immediately – actions should happen.
Worth a go?
Action Point
For your next meeting, follow these four steps…