12 Rules for Managing Conference Calls to Get Better Results

Another consequence of being a company with employees scattered across many locations (including our three offices, client sites and employee's homes) is that a lot of the communication that doesn't take place via email happens over conference calls. My mornings are often so packed with calls it's difficult to take a bathroom break. (If you think I'm exaggerating, this week I have my weekly team call, calls with each sales team, weekly calls with the new product development team, a call to discuss improvements to our website, a couple of calls with the CEO, a call with a client, a brainstorming session with the team, a call with HR . . . )

So how do I keep sane through all the calls? How do I make sure I disconnect from one call and start another while ensuring I make the best of my time and the time of the other parties in the conference?