10 Ways to Increase Your Focus During Meetings
I have facilitated many long meetings. They can be tough on just about everyone. However, just about all people on a team want to be successful. They want you to help bring them closer to that in a meeting. As a faciliator it is our responsibility to ensure everyone is able to participate. If people are checking out chances are the productivity will decrease. Here are 10 ways to increase YOUR focus during meetings:
- Attend to your needs. Be sure to “take care of business” before the meeting (go to the toilet). It’s not easy to focus when your body is uncomfortable.
- Make sure you have eaten. If you attend meetings consistently hungry, you will be easily distracted by your hunger pains.
- Stay hydrated. If your only fluid choice is caffeine, then you are not going to be balanced and attentive in a way that serves you and the organization best. Drink fluids that hydrate you. Caffeine is one liquid that actually dehydrates the body. Also, bringing cold water with you to each meeting will help your focus.
- Create the agenda before the meeting. Clarity helps everyone get prepared.
- Follow the agenda. Often, topics arise during a meeting that do not need to include all participants. Take notice and take them offline to discuss at a later date.
- Check off the items you’ve completed. As you move through the agenda, cross off items that have already been covered.
- Stick to a time limit. Ensure you have planned a meeting that lasts for the appropriate amount of time. If you planned a 60-minute meeting but have 2 hours worth of agenda items, your group will leave feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
- Conduct meetings in a consistent manner. Ensure the meetings are held within the proper frequency. If you are not meeting that often, this will influence how well others work together.
- Provide energy boosters, when necessary. If your meetings are held in the late afternoon, having healthy snacks will help everyone curve those afternoon munchies and give you the energy boost you need to get what you need to get done completed.
- Provide rest breaks for long meetings. If you are having a meeting that lasts longer than 30 minutes, be sure to add in a 2-minute stretch break. It will help keep everyone alert and at their best. A little stretch can go a long way.
I would love your comments and any additional tips/tricks you might have.
Live. Love. Thrive. Being In Sync.