I have lots of meetings in my world. Over the years of business, non-profit leadership, elected office and ministry experience, I've probably attended several thousand meetings. Along the way, I've developed some strong opinions.

I thought I'd share a few:

1. If all the decisions are already determined, don't call a meeting. Send me an email. Don't waste my time.

2. If you're meeting at a time when people are naturally hungry, feed us. And, pay for it.

3. If we don't have an agenda—if it's simply on the calendar but there is really nothing to discuss—well, I don't mean to seem rude, but what are we doing here?

4. If every new idea is going to be shot down, wouldn't skeet-shooting be a better use of our time?

5. If we keep doing this the same way every time, won't someone—someone like me—eventually get bored?

6. If we are only going to talk about it—but never really do anything about it—isn't this really just a social event?

7. If one person dominates all the conversation, let's skip the meeting and schedule a speech.

8. If everyone is invited, nothing is getting accomplished today—let's have a party.

9. If it's past time for most people to go home, let's postpone—you've lost our full attention.

10. If no one is taking notes, will we even remember any of this tomorrow?

Those are just a few of my thoughts about meetings. I'm not opposed to them at all. I think they are vital to healthy organizations. Let's just keep getting better at them. 

What are your thoughts?

Ron Edmondson is the senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. For the original article, visit ronedmondson.com.

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