“This is a waste of my time.”

Often, our presence is unnecessary, and the time spent could be better used elsewhere. The reality is, many meetings are not as productive as they should be, leading to frustration and inefficiency.

Consider the number of people who attend various types of meetings daily—staff, team, management, brainstorming, and planning sessions—and share the same sentiment. This sheer volume raises important questions about the necessity and effectiveness of these gatherings.

Reflect Before Scheduling:

Give the situation some thought before arranging a meeting. Ask yourself if a meeting is the best way to achieve your objective.

Avoid the Illusion of Progress:

Don’t call a meeting solely to give the impression that something is moving forward. Meetings should have a clear purpose and goal.

Act When You Know What Needs to Be Done:

If you are aware of what needs to be done, take action instead of scheduling a meeting. Meetings should be reserved for when you require immediate input or response from other parties.

Promote Participation:

Ensure that each and every person takes part. Better decisions are made and all viewpoints are taken into account when inclusive conversations are held.

Provide a summary and action items:

Give a summary of the meeting's outcomes, roles, and due dates. This guarantees that all parties are aware of what must be completed and by when.

Additionally, consider alternative channels for collaboration. Online chats, phone conversations, or emails can often lead to more intelligent and efficient answers. These methods can save time and allow for more thoughtful contributions.

It’s important to recognize that meetings aren’t effective for everyone. Introverts, multitaskers, and those who become irritated by loud environments may find meetings particularly challenging. Recognizing these differences can help in planning more effective and inclusive communication strategies.