How to finish meetings on time

How to finish meetings on time

         

Meetings often run overtime and consequently many agenda items don't get adequate coverage or don't even get covered at all. There are various reasons why meetings run overtime some of which include:

- The meeting did not start on time in the first place and thus the group got behind schedule.

- The sequence of topics was not based on their significance thus too much time may have been spent initially on items of lesser importance.

- Meeting time was not managed well

- Too much was planned for time available

                    

How to finish on time?

           

There are several strategies you can use to ensure that your meetings end on time:

- Designate a timekeeper to watch the clock and let participants know when time for an item is almost up, and then when it is really up.

- Prioritize

- Place topics that require more discussion at the very beginning of the agenda

- Start your meeting promptly on time

- If you are the team leader and wish to extend a meeting another 15 minutes to half an hour, ask the group if they are willing to remain to finish the task at hand.

- In planning a meeting make sure it has a stated end time. If attending a meeting that does not state an adjournment time, bring it to the leader's attention at the beginning of the meeting.

- Keep track of your own meetings. Do most end on time? Be clear that it is your aim to end at the appointed time.