Endless talking, strict agendas, and one-way communication are just some of the reasons that people don’t like meetings. Here are some ideas for improving meetings, so you get more done—in less time.

• Get everyone talking. If one person is doing all the talking, most likely everyone else is tuning out. If you’re running the meeting, ask questions and invite feedback. Call on those who have not spoken or divide everyone into smaller groups to work on specific goals.
• Focus on decisions. Don’t waste time sharing information that could easily be shared in an email. Use the meeting time to bring up challenges, brainstorm solutions, and finalize actions. 
• Keep it short. People are busy and attention spans are short. Set a time limit and stick to it.
• Use tech tools. Meetings don’t have to be limited to a single room anymore. Use videoconferencing, shared documents, real-time polls, and other tools to make meetings inclusive, efficient, and fast-moving.
• End with action. Assign responsibilities and set deadlines so that everyone knows what happens next.
   

For more advice, read “Your Team Hates Meetings—Because You’re Running Them Like It’s Still 1995.”