The challenge in many organizations is not just that there are too many meetings, but that there are too many poorly run meetings. As a result people waste time and energy instead of getting "real work" done. Here is a checklist I use in my strategic team building and team development programs as I observe and provide real time coaching. Check it out and see how your team is doing. Structure

• Did the meeting start on time?
• Is there a published agenda?
• Was the agenda sent out ahead of time?
• Are the most important items on the agenda first?
• Did people prepare for the meeting? What did they do?

Dialogue and Discussion Dynamics

• Are all team members engaged and participating?
• Does the team go beyond information sharing in its dialogue?
• Do team members challenge each other?
• Do people express differences of opinions, even when unpopular?
• Are there repercussions for speaking the truth?

Decision Making Dynamics

• Is the team focused on agreement or commitment?
• How does the collective style of the group impact problem solving and decision making?
• Is the team closing out on decisions?
• Are decisions and actions summarized at the end of the meeting?
• Is there a tracking mechanism to monitor decision progress?

General Dynamics of Team

• Do people generally respect each other, enjoy each others’ presence, act as colleagues?
• Are there signs of trust – asking for help, offering help, apologizing, being vulnerable?
• Is the team focused on overall team goals versus individual responsibilities, silos, and egos.
• What individual team member habits impact conversation (laughing, exaggerated words, body language and reactions, rambling, too manystories/examples, etc.)?

Leader Dynamics

• What is the leader doing to encourage discussion?
• What is the leader doing to blunt conversation?