Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone

"Be brief, be bright, be gone" is an astute rule of thumb for business presentations - and for breathing new life into standing meetings.

Be Brief

• Start by checking that everyone understands what needs to occur for this meeting to be a success: the required meeting outcomes.
• Eliminate any non-essential agenda items. Each remaining item should be critical to achieving the meeting outcomes.

Be Bright

• Ask if everyone attending has a contribution to make that will have a clear impact on the meeting outcomes.
• During discussions, press for information that is new and relevant. Point out high impact contributions.
• Keep discussions focused on reaching the meeting outcomes.

Be Gone

• Summarize conclusions and outcomes at the end of the meeting.
• Define next steps clearly.
• End early or on time.