Set an agenda and claim control

When you organise a meeting, a coffee, a phone meeting … set an agenda. That way both parties know what the reason for the meeting is, and what the expected outcomes are. It helps you drive the conversation to where you want it to go.

What happens when you don’t? You will often find yourself spending hours in meetings that are leading nowhere in particular. Not very inspiring.

The counter–balance to these very structured meetings are that sometimes you need to meet with people and just see ‘what comes up’. Be relaxed, have a coffee or a glass of wine, let the conversation flow.

Use place with purpose. When you need to achieve a formal outcome, like a deal, contract or a firm commitment, the boardroom is the place, because it sets the scene. For an informal outcome, a café is, of course, the perfect location.