GROUND RULES

That is really a good one! I am always disappointed when I hear phones go off in the meeting or notice people checking their phones. We should be engaged in the meeting to be most efficient and productive. Great one!

Thanks for sending me to this thread, Markus - looks like I am not the only one who was interested in this topic! I appreciate your comments and links very much.

Hi Andrew - it is important, isn't it! It is important because to be 100% effective with the time we have with the people "at the table" we need everyone to be focused. We need to maximize the time we have together to focus on forward momentum, risks, issues, challenges and ensure our project is on track. Unfortunately - especially accelerated by technology, people are checking their "watches/e-mails on their watches" and their phones or behaviors such as interrupting or having side bar conversations occur in meetings even when there are ground rules. It takes a keen and consistent project manager to keep these things in check. Ground rules are only effective when we agree to them as a group and consistently ensure we abide by them.

Hi Vincent: One of the hospitals where I work is a Catholic hospital. All meetings begin with a reflection - a reading or prayer that helps everyone focus their attention and centers themselves. So, I often ask the late comer to to the reflection for the next meeting. That has also worked! Coffee, donuts and chocolate are good too!!!

Absolutely,well said.