Tools and Tips for Today's Project Manager

AGENDA

An agenda is a prerequisite for an orderly meeting. If prepared correctly, it provides structure for a potentially mob-like situation. Remember, every meeting has the propensity toward disorder.

A good agenda has several characteristics. First, it covers topics meaningfully and logically. You should arrange your topics in an order that accomplishes the goal of the meeting. Just slapping topics on a piece of paper will not suffice; in doing so, you could address some topics, but not in a logical, meaningful order that would better accomplish the goal.

Second, it sets priorities. The agenda addresses the highest priorities first and then proceeds to the lowest ones. If insufficient time remains, you can address the lower priority items ...