Are you tired of wasting time at work? Do you want to reduce or eliminate the amount of meetings in the office? Unnecessary meetings are a huge waste of time, not only during the meeting itself, but also in the planning and organizing process. So, what exactly constitutes a real waste of a meeting? Here are seven types of meetings that should be avoided if you are serious about limiting unnecessary meetings.
1. The “Let’s meet because it seems like a good idea” meeting
It’s important to remember that calling a meeting in itself is not a good idea. The real work takes place during the meeting itself, where ideas are presented, thoughts are discussed, and plans are made. If you can’t clearly define the goals of your meeting, you probably shouldn’t have it in the first place.
2. The meeting “We will only assess the past/already known information”
While it’s important to assess past or existing information during a meeting, the focus should be on the current and near future. Repeating information that is already known or revisiting decisions that have already been made is a waste of time. The goal should be to make progress and move forward.
3. The “Listen to me” meeting
We’ve all been in meetings where one person talks for hours without a clear purpose. While it’s important to listen to others, a meeting should have a clear end in sight. If you find yourself in a “listen to me” meeting, try to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the inevitable.
4. The “I don’t really have enough information to hold a meeting” meeting
If you don’t have enough information, data, or sources to make a solid case for holding a meeting, reconsider until you have more items. Just like inviting someone over for cake and coffee but not having any, holding a meeting without enough information is disappointing and misleading.
5. The “no agenda meeting”
Every meeting should have an agenda to stay on track and set goals. An agenda acts as a guide to help you successfully navigate the meeting and ensure that the discussion stays focused. Without an agenda, it’s like embarking on a trip without a map.
6. The meeting “Let’s chat for a few minutes”
While spontaneous conversations can be valuable, if you need to talk about something important, schedule a specific meeting time. This way, you and your invitees can feel prepared and not disrupt other scheduled meetings.
7. The “Let’s invite everyone!” Meeting
Carefully select participants for each meeting, ensuring that those invited have a direct role in the goals and objectives of the meeting. Just like not inviting the birthday person to a surprise party planning meeting, consider whether each person’s presence is necessary and beneficial.
In conclusion, by avoiding these seven types of meetings, you can reduce wasted time and make your workday more productive. Which of these meetings are you regularly in? Are there other meetings you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.