How to hold a meeting

A. If you organize a meeting

1. Inform attendees as far in advance as possible.
2. Let all attendees know the date of the meeting, the time of the meeting, the location, the agenda and what preparation each attendee must do in advance of the meeting
3. Show up for the meeting a few minutes before the start time.
4. Carry a notebook to the meeting and take notes.
5. Later, email action items to attendees or post them online.

B. If you are attending a meeting

1. Do you need to be there?
2. Make sure you prepare for the meeting.
3. Carry a notebook and take notes.
4. Participate.

C. During a meeting

1. At the start of the meeting, the organizer should tell the attendees what is to be communicated, and what is to be decided.
2. Cut the BS.
3. Make forward progress. If information is lacking, reschedule.
4. Keep track of action items.
5. At the end of the meeting, everyone should know what has been communicated, what has been decided, and the action items.