Begin right on time

This is the most important part for conducting more effective meetings.

It establishes the parameters, organizes the terms of reference and tells everybody in the room why they are there, for how long, and what they need to accomplish.

Once you start talking on a subject, discuss it thoroughly but press for closure on what has been decided and who’s going to do what and by when, before you go on to the next item on the agenda of the meeting.

The inability to keep on track and to press for closure are the...

People who agree to do something in front of their peers are much more likely to follow through.

If everyone heard them say that they would do something by Thursday at noon, it is much more likely that they will have an internal incentive that will save you the need to mo...

...from the meeting. The more important the decisions that have been taken, the more important that you have them distributed in writing so that if they have questions they can get back to you.

Summarize at the end of each discussion point and at the end of the meeting your time and action schedules, and your implementation plan and assignments. Then have everybody in the meeting agree on what has been decided.

The way to avoid inadvertently dominating the meeting is to delegate meeting leadership.

Whenever possible, assign the meeting management responsibility to someone else, to build subordinates skills. It is a great training tool that gives employees the opportunity to build...