First off, know that you really DO have control over the number of meetings you attend. If you use a group calendar system like Outlook and your calendar is empty at the time a meeting is called, then you will be scheduled to attend it. However, if you intentionally block out time (translate = show busy) for your email and other projects, then you won’t be going to that meeting! Certainly there are some meetings that you HAVE to go to, but limit your time available by blocking out time for you, first.

Another simple strategy is to just say “NO”! Of course this needs to be used judiciously but remember it always IS an option!

Secondly, do you REALLY have to attend every meeting you are invited to? Of course we all want to feel needed and important but some meetings are just a plain waste of time. Find out from the meeting organizer what the meeting will cover and why you need to be there if you are at all unsure. You might just buy yourself an extra hour by spending 2 minutes checking.

Also, has your organization learned the ways to running efficient meetings? They include things like:

• Timed out agendas sent ahead of time
• Clear purpose and objectives
• Basic meeting ground rules
• STRICT start and end times
• A meeting timekeeper to keep on track
• A meeting minute taker (to share with those NOT in attendance, maybe you??)
• A meeting facilitator
• Evaluate meeting for productive or unproductive outcomes
• Set next steps

If you and your colleagues are meeting’d out, want to make your meetings more efficient or spend less time in meetings, then I hope this gets you thinking about making some changes to reduce your stress. If you’d like assistance with this, we are happy to offer you our newest program called “Streamlining Meetings” facilitated by our very own Karin Joy Whitley. Let us know how we can help!

The public schedule for Rev It Up Reading half-day workshops include:

• Basking Ridge, NJ - April 27
• Leominster, MA - May 18
• Waltham, MA - June 15
• Hartford, CT - July 13
• Westbrook, CT - September 7
• and more to be scheduled soon!

Register early for our Early Bird Discounts or always get 10% off if you bring a friend (both receive the discount). Thank you in advance for sharing this information with your family, friends and colleagues!

If you can't attend a public workshop, Rev It Up Reading can be scheduled in-house for your organization or association meeting. Contact us with your interest.