Leaders should take up the role of facilitators and avoid dominating the discussions.

During meetings, it’s very important to get input from everybody, not only from those eager to contribute but even from those who are shyer and less likely to speak up.

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...

During a meeting, do not penalize the people who were there on time by waiting for others who are late. 

Assume that the latecomer is not coming at all and get right on with the meeting.  

...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...