Why do we meet so much?
In many organisations, meetings have become a necessary evil - have we ever stopped to question the real need for so many meetings? What should be a space for decision-making and collaboration often becomes a routine that consumes time and resources.
I often observe that regular meetings seem to have no clear purpose and are unproductive. Discussions become circular or it is as if everyone wants to talk about their own interests and not the interests of others, leaving a sense of wasted time.
So how can we avoid this phenomenon?
First, by questioning each meeting before scheduling it - is it really necessary? What do we expect to see different if the meeting is a success? If it is just to ‘catch up’, there are probably more efficient ways to do this.
Second, making sure that the right voices are present and that all necessary perspectives are heard. Who really needs to attend?
Third, do the people who are going to participate have the necessary information in order to take the necessary decisions? Is this information accessible during the meeting?
Finally, it is essential to continually reflect on the effectiveness of our meetings. If a meeting does not add value, it is time to rethink how we manage it.
What other strategies have you found useful for reducing unnecessary meetings?
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