No matter what business you are in, meetings are a necessary evil, as per Pastor Tommie Harsley. They can be long and tedious or short and sweet, but either way – they have the potential to make or break your business. You want to make sure that you avoid making any of the following blunders during your next meeting!
Pastor Tommie Harsley’s List of Mistakes Business Owners Should Avoid During A Meeting
1. Not Having a Set Agenda
The first mistake you can make, according to Pastor Tommie Harsley, during a meeting is not having a set agenda. This will cause the meeting to lack structure and direction. Without an agenda, it won’t be easy to keep everyone on track and focused on the task at hand. It is important to have a clear purpose for the meeting and communicate this to all attendees in advance. This will allow them to come prepared with questions or comments.
2. Talking Too Much
Another mistake business owners can make during a meeting is talking too much. It is important to give everyone a chance to speak and share their ideas. If you dominate the conversation, it will make others feel like their input is not valued. It is also important to listen more than you speak. This way, you can gain a better understanding of the discussion and make sure everyone is on the same page.
3. Interrupting Others
Interrupting others is also a common mistake made during meetings. This can disrupt the flow of conversation and prevent others from being able to share their ideas. It is important to let others finish speaking before jumping in with your own comments. This will show that you respect their opinion and value what they have to say.
4. Allowing Side Conversations
Allowing side conversations is another mistake business owners often make during meetings. This can distract from the main discussion and make it difficult to stay focused. If side conversations do occur, it is important to bring them back to the main topic. This way, everyone can stay on the same page, and no one feels left out of the conversation.
5. Letting the Meeting Run Long
Another common mistake is letting the meeting run long. This can cause attendees to become restless and lose focus. It is important to stick to the agenda and keep the meeting moving at a reasonable pace. If there is extra time, you can always adjourn early or schedule a follow-up meeting.
6. Not Assigning Follow-Up Tasks
The last mistake business owners should avoid during a meeting is not assigning follow-up tasks. This can prevent action items from being completed in a timely manner. Make sure to assign specific tasks to specific people and set a deadline for completion. This will help to ensure that everything gets done and everyone is held accountable.
According to Pastor Tommie Harsley, avoiding these mistakes will help to make your meetings more productive and efficient. By following these tips, you can ensure that your meetings are a valuable use of time for all attendees.
Pastor Tommie Harsley’s Concluding Thoughts
If you want your business meeting to be effective, there are some things you should avoid doing. Following these tips by Pastor Tommie Harsley will help create a productive and positive environment that is more likely to result in achieving your desired outcomes.