We’ve all been stuck in long meetings that bounce aimlessly from one topic to the next. Instead of rolling your eyes, take control. Be brave enough to propose a solution:
- Play dumb. Ask someone in the room — preferably the strongest communicator — to help you understand what problem you’re trying to solve and what needs to happen to resolve it.
- Identify the decision-maker. Sometimes meetings stall because no one knows who is responsible for the decision. Ask who that is and inquire whether he’s ready to decide.
- Get the right people in the room. Are there absentees who need to be there? Suggest rescheduling for a time when all the stakeholders can be present.
Adapted from Guide to Making Every Meeting Matter.
