Meetings have gotten a bad reputation. Chances are a good percentage your team sees meetings as a waste of time – somewhere between 30 and 50 percent according to several recent surveys.

Of course, the reasons we have meetings are still pertinent – bringing everyone together to foster conversation that sparks communication, innovation and productivity.

So, how do you keep meetings running smoothly and worthwhile?

Here’s a tip: No surprises! It’s not ideal to introduce new topics at a meeting – meetings should be where people discuss the finer points to arrive at a conclusion. Brief everyone on relevant info prior to the meeting so discussion can flow freely.

For more tips on running more effective meetings, check out this article.