Question

In regard to implementing a marketing program, what are the advantages of

(a) a time-based agenda over a traditional agenda and

(b) an action item list over traditional meeting minutes?

Answer 1

a) Advantages of time based agenda over traditional agenda of a marketing meeting:

1. More focus on relevant and important areas: A time based agenda ensures that the meeting does not meander from its true purpose and all important topics are addressed. This will ensure that bottleneks are identified in all areas and addressed. A meeting without time based agenda is prone to drift and lose focus leading to missing out on some key issues. A time based agenda ensures that appropriate time is allocated to issues based on their importance.

2. Result orientation: A time based agenda ensures that objectives are clearly laid out and people participate with clear guidelines. This leads to actionable outcomes and higher chances of meeting objectives.

3. Prioritization of issues: All issues are prioritized as there is only so much time to discuss important things.

b)Advantages of Action item list over traditional meeting minutes:

1. Action Item list mentions the person or team responsible for the action along with the duration of completion of the action thereby holding the person or team accountable for the same.

2. Action item list is result oriented and therefore the next steps are very clearly articulated which leads to better execution and delivery.

3. Action item list leads to better communication among the team members as people know who is reponsible for what and the time by which a particular job needs to get done.