Revisiting an ongoing problem: MEC meeting length

Does your medical executive committee (MEC) suffer through long meetings, unproductive diatribes, filibusters, broken records (i.e., bringing up the same old issues and rehashing them over and over), and complaints from members that the meetings are just too long? If so, you may want to try a few of the following techniques used by your colleagues to control meeting length and content:

• Get a timer and use it wisely. Put it on the conference table and start it when you call the meeting to order. Let all participants know that the meeting will conclude when the one hour timer sounds. You can be sure that at least one MEC member will be happy to remind you of that promise at the end of the hour. In addition, appoint a timekeeper and have that person remind the group that time is wasting away and the group must move on to the next topic if it is going to make it through the agenda.
• Have a timed agenda. Put the expected times right on the MEC agenda and ask a member to keep the group on schedule. Announce your plan in advance. Let MEC members know that the meeting will be 60 minutes. You must then stick to that plan. If you run out of time, schedule a subcommittee meeting to discuss the issues that the MEC did not have time to address.
• Don't review past business with latecomers. Post a sign on the conference table that lets all MEC members know just how much an hour meeting costs. You might be surprised of the cost, especially if you count the time it takes for members to get to the meeting and getting home. Ask if continued discussion is worth the price.