You have done everything possible to prepare a meeting. You have put together all the materials, prepared the agenda, invited the participants in advance so that they could prepare ... but, alas, there will always be someone who arrives late, who will ignore you or disturb others. Participants' inappropriate behaviour may ruin even the best prepared meeting - a fact pointed out by Craig Jarrow, alias Time Management Ninja, in an article on his blog about time management.
"The funny thing is that while these individuals act like they don’t want to be there, they are quick to cry out when they are left out," writes Jarrow. He has therefore summarized a list of types of troublemakers you should not invite to your meetings or should be prepared to banish. Stick to the rule of inviting only those participants who can contribute something. Who, then, should be omitted?
Sleepers
Anybody who sleeps during your meeting and thinks you will not notice should be told to come only when he or she is capable of listening.
Clickers
Make it clear that there is no room at your meetings for people who are constantly playing with their computers or mobile phones.
Egomaniacs
Participation of employees who can only arrogantly refer to their job title instead of their ideas is pointless.
Complainers
They will always find a reason not to like something. They only spread negativity and offer nothing constructive.
Liars
Some people lie because they want to look better, others because they have no answers. Whatever the reason, you do not need someone who only distorts reality.
Bullies
Nobody should insult or otherwise offend others during your meetings. If this occurs, put an end to it immediately.
Windbags
If somebody speaks only about him- or herself without allowing others to speak, the others will soon not even try to get a word in.
Slackers
Make it clear that you expect participants to be thoroughly prepared. Anyone who does not know what the meeting is about has no business being there. The same applies to chronic latecomers.
Unnecessary participants
Obviously you should not invite employees who have nothing to do with the issue being discussed and for whom attending the meeting would only be a waste of time.
-kk-