I am finding that as I get older, I just want to “go with the flow.” I know that meeting with co-workers, family members or group members to plan projects is important for success, but most of the time, these meetings drag on and on — unless you have a good moderator.

To hold a brief but fruitful meeting, there have to be rules, such as: speak on the topic at hand (don't deviate); participants should make presentations clear and brief (or else the moderator has the right to bring down the gavel); the person running the meeting should supply an agenda to all participating; and there should be a start time and, most importantly, an end time.

Most of us have been to meetings where you just want to tell a person speaking to “be done with it, already!” I truly believe that some people just like to hear themselves talk. Yes, I believe it is a free country and everyone should have a chance to express their opinions, but, “come on, can't you get to the point.” I have walked out of meetings where one or two people try to dominate the discussion.

Another thing about meetings — let's be flexible on the start time. I'm not always ready for a meeting. Sometimes problems arise before the scheduled meeting so co-workers, family members and group members should be able to hold off the start of the meeting for 10 or 15 minutes. That should be enough time — barring a real emergency — to get my/your things together. Plus, I might want to pour myself another cup of coffee or get a glass of water before the meeting.

Having fewer people at meetings is better, too, I find. Fewer voices, just enough ideas and you get out of the meeting quicker to implement those ideas and the work ahead.

Perhaps I feel this way about meetings because I am more of a “doer” than a “talker.” I want to get things done as soon as possible, so I can spend more time “going with the flow.”