"A good leader talks little but when the work is done, the aim fulfilled, all others will say, 'We did this ourselves.'" -Lao-Tse

Managers spend up to 40% of their time in meetings. While much productive work is accomplished during these times, every manager has been frustrated at one time or another by a meeting that is poorly designed and run.

There are three steps to insure meetings are productive.

1. Define the Outcomes
Begin with the end in mind. What has to happen by the end of the session for the meeting to be a success? What is the end product or result?

2. Design the Structure
Once you know the outcomes, you can design the structure. Is it a planning, problem-solving, decision-making, skill-building or team development session? From that information you determine the agenda.

3. Deliver Results
It isn't cost-effective to bring in an external facilitator for a one- or two-hour meeting. Yet, when the importance of the outcomes require a half-day or more of the executive's time, it's worth it. The facilitator can be a strategic thinking partner to help articulate the outcomes, design the structure, and deliver the results.