Project Management: Meeting Preparation

Covey advised "Begin with the end in mind"...

I've found a good way to help plan and control a Steering Committee Meeting and get the required outcome is to write the minutes of the meeting in advance.

• It helps control the agenda and flow of the meeting
• Avoid the time wasters
• Anticipate what will occur
• Get you thinking about lobbying for agreement / issue resolution before the meeting - and hence avoid any nasty surprises.
• Reduce post meeting work.

If things look really bad then try reschedule the meeting at a time that is convenient when only the "forces of light" (us) can attend and the "forces of darkness" (them) are indisposed.