Available at www.meetingmagic.co.uk

Now here is something completely different. An A3 workbook (plus a pocket version for on the hoof meeting planning) designed to lead you along the path to the perfect meeting.

I say 'path' advisedly since the authors use the visual metaphor of a journey throughout the workbook. It is designed to help business managers realise more effective results from any meeting.

Based on seven steps (there's that figure 7 again! What is it with authors?) each A3 page (template) provides the opportunity to advance the development of your meeting;

1. Clarify why (the fundamental reason(s) for having a meeting at all)

2. Understand expectations (yours and others')

3. Define the targets (what you and 'they' expect)

4. Outline the flow (how the targets are to be achieved)

5. Design the agenda (what most of us thought came first!)

6. Prepare resources (complete with checklist to avoid embarrassing gaps!)

7. Document and review (we've all wondered after a meeting what actually happened!)

The worksheets are very practical and beautifully designed and could make a real difference to anyone who struggles with the preparation of meetings (so that's everyone who ever prepared a meeting, right?). The kit represents a serious investment at �97.00 though that does include a facility to download and print more templates and a half-hour coaching session from one of Meeting Magic's facilitators.

Come to think of it, your first session could potentially save more than the cost simply in time saved. Assuming you are as disorganised as me when it comes to planning!