Writer Lisa Girard canvassed meeting experts and came up with a list of several deadly sins of meetings for Entrepreneur.com, including these:
Meetings that are a one-way conversation
Having one person lecture or present PowerPoint slides is a poor way of teaching – or motivating. Your culture should prod people to exchange ideas in meetings, rather than sit there numbly, recommends business strategy consultant Joe Calloway.
Meetings that disrupt the most productive hours
Instead of eating into high-energy hours, hold meetings in the afternoon when they can be a welcome relief, suggests consultant Jackie Freiberg.
Meetings held in a bland environment
Conference rooms aren't very stimulating the first time you attend a meeting in one, let alone the 100th time. Ms. Freiberg suggests occasionally holding a walking meeting in a park, or around your building, which might stimulate fresh ideas. Added advantage: When you're not seated eye-to-eye, she says you may have the guts to offer unpleasant truths.
Meetings that are too formal and rigid.
A sense of humour can help energize the sessions. Or, advises trainer Eric Chester, you might be daring and break up your meeting with music, a video or engaging stories.
Harvey Schachter