Here are some tips for successful meetings:

• Written purpose and agenda for each meeting
• Identify projected time required for each agenda item
• Distribute agenda prior to the meeting
• Ensure all meeting roles are assigned
• Adhere to agenda unless there’s consensus to deviate
• Keep a record
• At the end of each meeting, summarize action items, deadlines, and responsible party; discuss agenda for next meeting
• Adopt interim deadlines for completion of important, critical-path work
• Evaluate the did well/could improve (what worked, what could be improved or changed for the future) for each meeting
• Start and stop on time
• Balance work content/task with group dynamics/maintenance