The Project Management Tool Kit: 100 Tips and Techniques for Getting the Job Done Right

Run the Meeting

Manage time using the agenda to track progress through the meeting. If a topic on the agenda requires more time than planned, bring it to a close and schedule follow-up in a later meeting, or get agreement to revise the agenda. Extend a meeting only as a last resort, and only if the topic is urgent.

Focus on only one issue at a time. Whenever a relevant new issue arises, don’t ignore it, but don’t allow the meeting to get distracted from the current topic. Always record each new issue on a posted “parking lot” or “bucket list” in the meeting room. Avoid disrupting the planned agenda to deal with side issues unless they are truly urgent, but ensure that all topics are dealt with later in the meeting.

Record what occurs throughout ...