(wasting time) (wasting time) is one of the main reasons committees don't produce. If we are going to have effective meetings then (time wasting) will have to stop. Here are some steps to avoid it: TRY TO BE ON TIME Latecomers are not only a problem to the chairperson but are discourteous to the committee. As members come in late, the chairperson must stop the discussion and review what has been said, thereby (wasting time). AVOID MINOR DETAILS A committee can get all wrapped up in a hassle over minor details that need not be discussed in the committee meeting. HAVE THE FACTS Committees should know the facts before they begin a discussion. Very little will be accomplished without facts. If you are given a job to do outside the meeting, it is important that it is complete for the meeting. An entire meeting can be (time wasted) if members are not prepared. STAY ON TRACK Everyone usually has something to say, but chances are it has nothing to do with the job at hand. Off the track discussions are fine once in a while but have no place at a committee meeting. A good chairperson and an agenda will help prevent this. TALK ONLY TO THE POINT OF DECISION It is very easy for a committee to begin repeating things. This can be avoided by giving periodic summaries and emphasizing important statements. AVOID PERSONAL ANECDOTES Everyone always has an interesting tale to tell. If one starts, someone else will think of another and then the group is on the way off track. Anecdotes are interesting but should be saved until after the meeting. KEEP INTERRUPTIONS AT A MINIMUM When the continuity of the meeting is broken by talking, people being called out of the meeting and other interruptions, it is very difficult for the members to keep their minds on the task at hand.