Your instinct to be concerned about running the weekly meeting is natural. Meetings can sometimes be boring and ineffective.

But as the leader of the pack, you want to know what's going on, who's doing what, and what to expect- I get it.

So often, Teams seem to fall into one extreme or another by having too many redundant, unfocused meetings clogging calendars or too few so no one is communicating.

Quiet as it's kept, There's also a lot of not-so-good meeting behavior out there—meetings that start late, run over, have unclear agendas, have the wrong people attending, and run amuck with conversations that go rogue. Bad meetings lose people's attention, the point, and the momentum to get things done with collaboration. Here are ways to learn how to do it well.

1. Ditch the "wing it" mentality

Always go in with a plan. Running a good meeting takes forethought, skill, and strategy, so don't take it lightly. First, think of the meeting's goal and what you are trying to accomplish.

Here are the three overall objectives to focus your meetings around:

• Communication. Meetings allow people to communicate and hear what everyone is working on. It's a time for updates on projects, planning, timelines, and objectives. It's also a time for discussion and problem-solving if needed. The meeting is where everyone gets to talk and voice their opinions.

• Accountability. Meetings are a time to check in on progress and deadlines. It's a way to hold everyone accountable for what they said they would do. Meetings keep projects and people in motion.

• Projections. Meetings are a great time to be proactive and look toward the future to troubleshoot, strategize, and brainstorm ideas on how to get ahead. Many meetings leave out this essential piece and only focus on task lists, but this part is vital. Getting ahead in business is always about being proactive.

2. Manage your expectations by learning who's in the room.

The biggest roadblock to an effective meeting is the people in it. People are complicated because their thinking and personalities differ, which can create conflicting dynamics. The easiest way to understand and navigate people is to group them into 4 categories: Dominant, Influencer, Steady, and Conscientious.

• For the determined go-getters, those dominant types, start your meetings with a clear agenda and keep them focused on action items. They thrive on progress and efficiency, so give them the space to make decisions that align with your goals.

• For the sociable influencers, keep the energy high and the conversation flowing. Engage them with anecdotes and visuals, and don't forget to celebrate their wins in front of the team.

• When it comes to the steady and harmonious folks, create a tranquil atmosphere where everyone feels heard. Take the time to address concerns and work towards consensus when making decisions. Be patient and empathetic, and watch the magic happen.

• Last but not least, the conscientious data wizards. Give them the detailed agendas, reports, and data analysis they crave. Encourage them to offer suggestions and questions. They thrive on accuracy and appreciate constructive feedback.

When it comes to meeting and work dynamics, diversity in thinking is essential for positive outcomes. Finding the equilibrium between personalities is challenging, but at the end of the day, by understanding each unique individual's strengths and weaknesses, you can foster a productive environment that welcomes creativity and collaboration. Whether you identify as an Ideas Person, an Executive Driver, or a Negotiation Specialist, learning how to come together as a team to achieve success should be the goal of every meeting—it's all about balance!

So don't forget: always manage those personalities with confidence, and don't be afraid to take risks when necessary—formulate your game plan first and then dive in with commitment.

Now, let's see your team dynamics. Describe them in the comments below!