Recently I was advising a client and was asked to observe an important team meeting.

It soon became clear the meeting was a waste of time. For everyone. On top of that it was a cost for the business in both time and money.

The meeting lacked energy and purpose.

Those attending the meeting lacked energy and purpose. The meeting was never going to lead to the action that was needed.

The reason? Those in leadership positions were not 100 per cent in the room. As a result, few others were either.

This led to an inefficient meeting and undermined the positive, action orientated culture the business prides itself on.

We may sometimes think a quick check of our e-mails (or worse social media) during a meeting is ok. But it really isn’t.

Other than being rude it is less, not more, efficient.

Multi-tasking puts enormous pressure on our brains. It diminishes the amount of energy we can commit to a task at a key moment.

Research shows that multi-tasking, even for the brightest and most brilliant, is not effective.

If you are in a meeting being 100 per cent in the room should be yours (and everyone else’s) aim.

That way the meeting is more likely to be a success and help you achieve your goals and objectives.

Here are five simple ways to achieve this:

Purpose: know your purpose for being in the meeting and the purpose of the meeting. How will you work to achieve them both?
Eradicate external distractions so no smart-phone or laptop
Listen to what others are saying (really listen)
Take notes as a way to focus on what is being said
After the meeting evaluate how you performed. Give yourself a mark out of ten and think what you could do better next time.