HBR Guide to Project Management (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 13

Effective Project Meetings

Run your meetings well, and you’ll infuse your project with energy, momentum, and direction. How do you make them productive? Follow these simple guidelines.

Setting the Stage for the Meeting

• Make sure a meeting is even necessary. If you can accomplish your goal efficiently without calling one (via e-mail, for example), do so—and avoid eating up everyone’s time.
• Clarify the meeting’s objective. If it is to make a decision, explain that and give participants the time and materials needed to prepare.
• Sound out key participants on important agenda items ahead of time. What you discover may suggest that alterations are in order.
• Invite only people who have something to contribute or who can learn from the discussion. ...