In the world of business literature, “The Art of Meeting Management” by J.W. Dionne emerges as a beacon of practical wisdom. Dionne’s book is not just a guide; it’s a masterclass in transforming what many consider the bane of their workday—meetings—into a productive and engaging experience.

Dionne addresses the universal sentiment that meetings can be time-consuming and often unproductive. With a blend of wit and expertise, the author dismantles this notion, presenting a compelling case for the necessity of meetings while also providing a blueprint for conducting them effectively.

The book is structured around the “6 Ps of Effective Meetings,” a framework that promises to revitalize the most mundane of gatherings. Dionne’s approach is both inclusive and democratic, encouraging participation from even the most introverted attendees. This is not a book that merely talks at you; it converses with you, urging you to reflect on

"The Art of Meeting Management" by J.W. Dionne is a valuable guide that deserves a solid four stars for its insightful approach to a common workplace challenge—inefficient meetings. In a world where time is a precious commodity, Dionne provides practical solutions to transform meetings from time-wasters into powerful tools for collaboration and progress.

Dionne starts by addressing a stark reality: half of all meetings are perceived as a waste of time. The author supports this claim with a Clarizen/Harris Poll survey, shedding light on the considerable amount of time American workers spend in meetings each week. However, what sets this book apart is not just highlighting the problem but offering concrete strategies to make meetings more productive and purposeful.

One of the strengths of "The Art of Meeting Management" lies in Dionne's emphasis on the importance of well-organized and purposeful meetings. The author recognizes that despite the challenges, meetings are essential for collaboration, discussion, and innovation within organizations. Dionne's expertise in meeting management shines through, providing readers with actionable insights and practical advice.

The book stands out for its focus on both planning and execution. Dionne doesn't merely discuss the problems associated with meetings; he delves into solutions, offering a blueprint for effective meeting management. The reader gains a comprehensive understanding of how to plan, conduct, and follow up on meetings to ensure they contribute meaningfully to organizational goals.

The writing style is clear, concise, and accessible, making it easy for readers to grasp the concepts and implement them in their professional lives. Dionne's use of real-world examples and case studies adds practical relevance, reinforcing the applicability of the strategies presented.

While the book effectively tackles the challenges of meetings, a more extensive exploration of adapting the strategies to different organizational cultures could enhance its applicability to a broader audience. Additionally, a more detailed discussion on leveraging technology for efficient virtual meetings could be beneficial.

In conclusion, "The Art of Meeting Management" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance the effectiveness of meetings in their professional life. J.W. Dionne's expertise shines through, offering a well-rounded guide that empowers readers to turn meetings into powerful instruments for collaboration and innovation. With its practical advice and actionable insights, this book is a must-read for those looking to make their meetings more purposeful and productive.

At some point in our careers, we’ve attended several meetings that could have been an email. The Art of Meeting Management is true to its word, there is an art to managing a meeting. As J.W. Dionne aptly states “The problem is that not many people have been taught how to prepare for, manage, or run a meeting. “It’s true. It might be assumed that if you participate in a meeting, you could probably run one. This book challenges the idea of winging it and instead presents a 6-step framework (Preparation, Purpose, Plan, Participation, Points of Action, Post-Assessment) to support those who want to gain skills in holding meetings in person and online.

The message of this book centers on the idea of how to we want people to feel about meetings and how we can make meetings worthwhile. Meetings should have a clear purpose and specific agenda. Attention should be given to honoring the senses and providing a conducive atmosphere as well as attending to the energy in the room. Personally, I appreciated the templates provided and the information on how to differentiate for a variety of meeting sizes and types. In a sequel, I would love to see the author present their ideas on meetings that combine presentations or professional development. Specifically, pacing a meeting with one presenter vs. several. I enjoyed this book! It is one that I can see myself using in my current position and adding to my leadership shelf.

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

As the president of my local library board, I was interested in some tips on running meetings. The Art of Meeting Management is very "elementary." It does have some good tactics/reminders though for those experienced in meetings. I have a particular problem with one board member and the section regarding "meeting monsters" did offer some interesting and useful pointers. Overall, this is an easy-to-read and good novice book.