Suggestions on how to hire right candidate:

 Have a written, detailed job description including realistic compensation criteria before initiating a search  Do not entertain candidates who have been living on a significantly higher salary  One step backward for two steps forward is one thing BUT FOUR STEPS BACKWARD will not work  Do not be swayed with current ability to hire an "A" candidate at a significantly reduced salary. Times will change and you may risk losing "A" employee to appropriate salary level and professional challenge in near future.  If current open position does not require a super-star but you find a super-star candidate, consider opening a new search -- new job description, gain approval for a new salary level, etc.

A buyers market today can change overnight. The objective is to hire right person in right position to achieve long-term results. Follow above simple rules and you should be well on your way to building a strong team of performers.

3. Start on time.

Never allow a meeting to start late. Make it clear that you expect punctuality. Once you do this two or three times people will get message.

4. Prepare.

Arrive well prepared with facts at your fingertips. That way you can put your case briefly but clearly. If others are less well pepared your views will carry twice as much weight as theirs. Push home your advantage by insisting that decisions are taken based on views expressed. Call for a vote. You are likely to carry day.

5. Force hand of timewasters.

If someone is persistently interrupting or systematically disagreeing with everything that is said, they may just be trying to put off a decision. If they are not contributing anything constructive, force their hand. Insist on your schedule. Tell them they can have five or ten minutes to state their case after which you will call for a vote. Call their bluff in fact.

These are just some of ways that you can speed up and liven up those time consuming and inconclusive meetings. Put these suggestions into practice and see how you get more positive decisions in a fraction of time!