11 tips for effective meetings

Here's how to create effective, enjoyable meetings that everyone wants to attend. 11 tips to make meetings fun.

Do you need an appointment?
Participants should understand why the meeting is being held, why it is important for them to be there and how they are expected to contribute. What is the aim of the meeting? Who needs to know that the meeting is taking place and who needs notes afterwards?
Start and end the meeting on time
The culture should be that it is okay to leave a meeting that is running late, or to go back to work if the meeting has not started after 10-15 minutes. It's about respect.
Always have an agenda
Follow it, don't deviate. The person chairing the meeting is responsible.
Create clarity and expectations
Indicate whether each meeting point is a decision point, discussion point or information point. If necessary, describe what is expected of each participant at each point.
Take notes
Make sure someone takes joint notes if needed.
Have a leader/moderator
The leader of the meeting should be neutral and ensure that everyone has their say.
Allow for preparation
Send out documents in advance as far as possible, especially if decisions are to be taken. Your introverted colleagues will not think anything spontaneously and will always want to prepare well.
Create space for small talk
Start by letting everyone volunteer to refuel. "Top of mind right now is ...". Once that's out of the way, everyone can concentrate on the meeting itself. This can also be useful if you have remote meetings.
Try the "minimum meeting": the Daily Huddle
Take 15 minutes every day, or every week, for a standing meeting, a so-called "Daily Huddle". This is mainly for real teams working intensively together with clear goals and deliverables. Let everyone tell you what:
A// Is most important to get done today
B// What is working well
C// What they need help with.
Have a board with all the tasks and move the pins from red to yellow and finally green.
Make sure everyone is heard
Have a question of the week of a more personal nature. Everything from "what are you looking forward to on holiday" to "what are your favourite sneakers"?
Dare to touch what's bothering you
Have a separate point in meetings for what's bothering and irritating, without it becoming dramatic. Give this point a disarming name, such as the Cucumber Jar or the Whining Spike, and include it regularly. You will have a forum.