Finding time to do what you want/Need to do

"Sometimes I get the feeling that the two biggest problems in America today are making ends meet and making meetings end."

--Robert Orben

Stated simply with the holidays coming there are so many things that need to be done both at work and at home that you simply do not have the time to sit in unproductive meetings. There are many good books on increasing productivity. If you think your office is unproductive (aren't they all?) then buying one of them might be your best year-end investment.

In the meantime, here are a few tips:

1. Always insist on a published agenda specifying what is expected to be accomplished and an end time.
2. Look for meeting alternatives. Can it be done on a conference call?
3. Start the meeting on time. Even if it isn't your meeting, call it to order. Don't recap for people who are late.
4. Only invite people who have something to contribute.
5. Dismiss participants after they complete their portion of the meeting.
6. If you are contributing to someone else's meeting, tell them that you'd like to only be there for that portion of the meeting relevant to you.

By implementing the above you should have more time to do real work (and/or finish your Amazon online holiday shopping).