A well-planned agenda for meetings is essential for any type of gathering, ranging from a discussion with a friend to a large group to discuss organizational goals and issues. A well-planned agenda for meetings keeps everyone on the same page in a positive efficient manner while increasing the productivity of each individual participant and the entire group.
Define the purpose of each item on the agenda. By defining the objective of each her explanation item, attendees are aware of what they can expect from the meeting and can adjust their participation accordingly. Clarity in meeting goals helps ensure that the meeting doesn’t diverge from its original goal and is more likely to be a success.
For each objective specify how the desired result will be accomplished. This could include stating if the goal is to share information, gather input or make a choice. It could also include a description of the method used to achieve the goal, such as seeking consensus or an election.
Give an estimated time for each agenda item. Including an estimated time enables attendees to prepare for the discussion and modify their participation according to. Leaders can also decide if more time is required or if they are able to achieve the desired goal in less time.
Include « parking lots » items on your agenda. A parking lot is an ideal place to record important ideas or conversations that are relevant to the subject at hand, but not necessary to be discussed during the meeting. This is especially beneficial for virtual meetings because it helps to avoid meetings being interrupted by conversations that are not related to the topic.
