Final answer:
Lack of preparation has been found to be detrimental to running effective project meetings, unlike having an agenda, clear objectives, and active participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element that has not been found to be good for running effective project meetings is lack of preparation. Effective meetings typically feature a clear agenda, defined objectives, and encourage active participation. An agenda sets the course for discussion, objectives provide a goal for what the meeting should achieve, and active participation ensures that all members contribute to the conversation, which is crucial for successful outcomes. On the contrary, a lack of preparation can lead to disorganized meetings without clear direction, resulting in wasted time and a lack of progress.
For instance, in a collaborative classroom or business setting, it is common to use strategies where small groups list potential topics and rotate to engage with each other's ideas. Effective participation from all levels of stakeholders and not just the meeting leader is vital, as is crossing out irrelevant topics, which signifies the importance of being prepared and focused.