Five Resolutions for Better Meetings This Year

More than 50 percent of an executive's time is spent in meetings, and the average office employee spends five hours each week in meetings. For many people, even those numbers are low.

Here are five resolutions to help you have better meetings in 2019.

Resolution 1: Build Clear Agendas

According to a recent study, more than 63 percent of meetings have no agenda at all. Skip the bullet points and create an agenda with clear descriptions, outcomes, presenters, and enough time to effectively cover each topic. Attendees should understand what is going to be discussed so they can prepare accordingly.

Resolution 2: Dedicate 15 Minutes to Meeting Prep

Commit to spending at least 15 minutes reading meeting materials and jotting down questions and comments ahead of time. Organizational behavioral studies have shown people over-rely on their gut when making decisions. By reviewing materials ahead of a meeting, you’ll be more prepared for productive conversations and thoughtful decision-making.

Resolution 3: Send Follow-Up Notes Immediately

Take minutes during the meeting and send them no later than the end of the day so the information is fresh in attendees' minds. (Tip: Did you know OneNote is a great way to manage meeting minutes?)

Resolution 4: Clearly Communicate Outcomes

Often, what's discussed in one meeting is forgotten until the next. Document tasks by assigning them to people through a tool like Microsoft Planner and ensure decisions are highlighted in the meeting minutes. Spend the first 10 minutes of the next meeting going through the previous meeting's minutes and action items.

Resolution 5: Invest in Improving Meeting Culture

Solutions like Decisions integrate with Microsoft 365 to make meeting management simple and effective. Make this the year your organization has more successful meetings.