Better meetings

Adhering to a few simple rules can reduce cost and frustration with meetings.

• Only invite those that absolutely have to be there.
• Set an ending-time.
• Limit each speaker's time.
• Publish the agenda beforehand (and stick to it).
• Finish each point with an assignment and somebody responsible.
• Cancel any unneeded regular meetings.
• Appoint someone to be responsible for everything technical.
• Define a goal for the meeting and discuss it's accomplishment.

These rules seem obvious, but in many businesses they aren't taken to heart.

In others, some workers might like an hour of peace and quiet, sitting there without contributing. Meetings aren't coffee breaks, tough!