Management Tip of the Day: Don't Schedule That Meeting

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 30, 2013 Don't Schedule That Meeting Some people get trigger-happy when it comes to scheduling meetings. Have information to share? Need to get the team's input? Better get something on the calendar. But half the time, these gatherings are a waste of time. Here are three rules for being respectful of other people's time: Only use meetings for discussions and decisions that must happen with a team, in real time. Don't use the time for FYI items that you can communicate via e-mail. Send a clear agenda with the meeting invitation — not two minutes before — so it's easier for everyone to tell whether they need to attend. Designate someone to take thorough notes. Circulate those to anyone who might need to be in the loop, but doesn't need to come to the meeting. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Break Your Addiction to Meetings" by Elizabeth Grace Saunders. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Harvard Business Review All-Access Subscription For over 90 years, Harvard Business Review magazine has been an indispensable and unrivaled source of ideas, insight, and inspiration for business leaders worldwide. Each issue contains breakthrough ideas on strategy, leadership, innovation and management. Available in Print, Digital Replica, Online Archive, and on our HBR iPad app as our All-Access bundled subscription. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Choose Connection Over Conflict Take a Weekly Technology Break Storyboard Your Presentation Know When to Forgive 4 Things Every Team Needs Get a Job Offer from a Stranger Focus Your Business Pitch on Yourself, Not Your Plan Write an Email That People Will Read Give Feedback That Crosses Cultures Stop Going to So Many Meetings All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)