I hear people who want to do away with meetings…
There are even books talking about the death of meetings…
I know people who say meetings waste their time…
I’ve been at meetings that waste my time…
I say, however…
DON’T KILL MEETINGS!
Make meetings better!
You may have to make the meetings more entertaining.
Meetings may need to be more purposeful.
Perhaps meetings need to complete better agendas.
But don’t kill meetings…
Until you first try to make them better.
You may now need to read 7 Ways to Prepare for More Effective Meetings
Be honest:
Do you hate meetings?
Do you look forward to meetings?
I'm for shorter meetings too.
Ron! To be frank, I have experienced meetings as a great productivity killer. I have also seen people conducting meeting for the sake of meeting. Hence, I am not in favor of conducting meetings. To the extent possible, I wish the meeting to be short and precise.
I dread meetings of any kind. Mostly because I know the leader is not putting any heart into it. It's just a motion or an obligation. It's so sad because so many have potential to be motivational. At least Michael Scott puts thought and heart into his meetings…
Ha! That's true!
Great thoughts. Very helpful
Twitter: bryankr
says:
I have an idea that many times, prople are on a committee out of guilt, some that are there don’t feel qualified, some are just plain burned out. No matter how you look at it, meetings are going to run longer and without focus. It might behoove us to try to fill these meetings, these committees, with people that actually want to be there! It just might make a world of difference.
That's an interesting thought. Thanks!
Twitter: chrisjohnston
says:
I’ve never been to a good work meeting (and that isn’t hyperbole).
Interesting. Never?
Twitter: Amidean
says:
Being in the “who says meetings have to be boring?” business, I spend my life helping corporations, businesses & teams lead and develope more effective meetings. Our creative meeting space is ideal for infusing a meeting with fun & creativity while substantially increasing productivity, idea generation and engagement! Don’t stop meeting, just meet differently!
That's awesome. We all need your work!
I think the frustration many times is that we go to a meeting and leave there having accomplished nothing. Unless the meeting is about last nights ball game it is not the time to discuss last nights ball game. We need to focus on the task at hand and accomplish what we are there for. A meeting isn't alway necessary. Sometimes we just need to communicate which can be done without a meeting through email, phone, etc. One of my biggest frustrations was not following through with what we discussed at the meeting. There needs to be some communication in between the "now and then" though a call, email, text whatever.
Agree David. That's probably part of the “making meetings better”. Don't have one if there's not a need. Thanks!
Twitter: KariScare
says:
Meetings frustrate me most of the time because people focus too much on their own needs. But I agree that meetings need improved not eliminated. They are important because they provide much-needed, face-to-face communication that is lacking in our social media age. This type of communication can be much more effective in accomplishing tasks and in eliminating misunderstanding. They can also be a great way to get things done.
I agree Kari. Focus on bigger objectives that appeal to everyone.
Twitter: Michaelenichols
says:
Great thoughts – most meetings could use better planning up front, an agenda, and more listening. I recently wrote a post on how I totally redesigned my one-on-one meetings with my team – http://www.michaelnichols.org/one-on-one-meeting.
Thanks for the reminders!
Thanks for sharing. We need these type thoughts.
Ron,
After reading your post I thought of a post by a friend of my Jonathan Smith. He has some great ideas about making meetings worth the effort.
http://jonathandavidsmith.typepad.com/jonathan-sm…
Thanks for sharing this post
I think a well run meeting is crucial. I've had to run some, though, and that's easier said than done. Last week Jon Acuff wrote a post suggesting that some meetings be conducted without chairs to keep people from getting too comfortable so they'd get to the point. Sounds interesting.
I agree Ben. I've heard so many people lately talk about meetings wasting their time. I know many do and probably many that I've led, but I don't think we should throw them out but make then better.