You’ve no doubt heard the expression that a person has a ‘hidden agenda’. We’re here to tell you the shocking truth. Everybody has a ‘hidden agenda’ and only a few people have an actual agenda. I know, I was scared too when I first heard this.
Are agendas important? You bet. Without one, meetings are unstructured discussions that will take longer than you expect and won’t deliver the results you want. With one, you’ll make millions and be ecstatically happy every day. Well, maybe not, but you’ll be happier than you would have been without one.
To be successful, agendas need to be:
Realistic – Can you really get to all the items on the agenda in the time you have? This is important because you always have to finish on time (more later).
Valuable – Are the items on the agenda the most important use of meeting time or can they be handled in other ways? If not, ditch ‘em.
Complete – Is each agenda item able to be dealt with in the meeting, or will they require a series of discussions? If the item is controversial or needs a lot of input, the agenda should be short, maybe just the item itself.
Previewed – For agendas to be effective, the participants have to have them in advance. Writing them on the board or handing out a copy at the meeting is similar to an ambush if someone in the group has issues with a topic. Delivering in advance lets people prepare, at least mentally, for a meeting.
That’s it. Just remember RVCP…wait. Oh yeah, it doesn’t spell anything. Darn.
When holding the meeting. Stick to the agenda. Don’t deviate. And finish on time…always.
Upcoming in this series, additional strategies for making meetings more effective:
Invite the right participants
Watch the time
‘Parking Lot’ off-topic items
End on time…every time
Why can’t we tell you about them now? They’re not on the agenda.
Dispatches From The Front 