Ah, meetings. Those wonderful little interludes in your day that promise productivity but often deliver a painful mix of boredom and inefficiency. 

Statistics show that a whopping 32% of meetings are considered a waste of time, and 49% of employees admit to doing unrelated work during meetings. And let’s not even get started on the late arrivals and lack of clear next steps. 

But fear not! Here are the top 7 hacks to optimize meetings at your credit union.

Hack #1: Set Clear Objectives

Let’s start with the basics: Know what you want to achieve before the meeting starts. Nothing derails a meeting faster than a vague agenda. Distribute a detailed agenda beforehand and stick to it like glue. Clear objectives keep the meeting focused and ensure everyone knows why they’re there.

Hack #2: Keep It Short & Sweet

We get it, there’s a lot to discuss, but attention spans are short. Implement a strict time limit for each topic and don’t be afraid to cut off a conversation that’s going in circles. Short, time-bound meetings prevent rambling and maintain focus. Remember, if it can’t be said in 30 minutes, it probably needs a follow-up email.

Hack #3: Designate Roles

Assigning specific roles can make a huge difference. Have a timekeeper to keep things on track, a note-taker to record key points, and a facilitator to guide the discussion. Rotate these duties to keep everyone engaged and avoid the “usual suspects” syndrome, where only the same handful participate. This not only enhances accountability but also makes sure everyone gets involved.

Hack #4: Encourage Active Participation

Nothing kills a meeting faster than a lack of engagement. Encourage active participation by using interactive elements, like quick polls or brainstorming sessions. Pose questions, solicit opinions, and make sure every voice is heard. This increases engagement and generates diverse ideas, which can make the meeting more productive and less monotonous. And remember, a little humor and wit can go a long way in keeping things lively. 

Hack #5: Minimize Distractions

Phones, laptops, and even that intriguing pen clicker can be major distractions. Implement a no-device rule during discussions, or – if using remote communications – set rules that reduce distractions. A focused environment boosts productivity and ensures everyone is mentally present. Note Well: Requiring those video commuting to have their cameras on adds accountability for being present!

Hack #6: Summarize & Assign Action Items

Meetings should end with clear next steps. Summarize the key points and assign specific tasks to individuals. Make sure everyone knows what they need to do and by when. This ensures clarity and follow-through, preventing those dreaded “wait, what are we supposed to do now?” moments.

Hack #7: Solicit Feedback

After the meeting, take a few minutes to gather feedback. Conduct quick, post-meeting surveys, or have a brief discussion on what went well and what could be improved. This helps refine your meeting processes and shows your team that their opinions matter, boosting morale and encouraging continuous improvement. 

Ready to Run a Highly Effective Meeting? 

Download our meeting template now to streamline your meetings and achieve great results!
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