18 Oct 10 Meetings Not Productive? Consider Changing These 4 Ideas

When meetings between different departments, groups, or even entities start to become less productive then it is time to try some new techniques. Here are the top four ways to break through meeting roadblocks:

1. Consider a change of venue – Sometimes the same meeting places will produce the same results. This is especially true whenever the meeting is held at a non-neutral venue. Consider moving a meeting to a neutral venue if there is even the slightest possibility that the big deal is being held up because of some psychological slight regarding the demand that one party meet on the other party’s turf.
2. Consider a change of time – Some people are morning people, others are decidedly not morning people. If the meeting is being held in the morning then there is a possibility that mental juices are not flowing as fast as possible or that attitudes are not what they should be.
3. Consider a single-sided table – Sometimes a single-sided table reduces the subtle subconscious tendencies to view those sitting on the other side of the table as adversaries. Instead, everyone should be facing the same direction looking at a whiteboard or other presentation device to work as cooperative problem solvers.
4. Add an espresso shot or go with a half-decaf blend – If the meeting is seemingly held up by a lack of energy then give the coffee an extra boost of espresso. If the meeting is getting a little too serious, consider mixing decaf in with regular coffee to give the participants a little less edge.

Tags: Adversaries, Attitudes, Change Of Time, Coffee, Cooperative Problem, Entities, Espresso, Juices, Lack Of Energy, Meeting Places, Moving, Neutral Venue, Participants, Presentation Device, Problem Solvers, Roadblocks, Tendencies, Turf