Why Bad Meetings are an Offence to Our Time

I’ve spent the last 10 years in remote meetings. Most are awful. But meetings done right are valuable. The key is making them work for us, not against us.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Respect Starts with Purpose

One of the most frustrating experiences is being trapped in a meeting where you feel irrelevant or unheard. It’s a waste of precious time and a sign of disrespect from the organizer. To avoid this, I always ask myself these key questions before scheduling a meeting:

• What is the clear objective of this meeting? Can it be achieved through email or a quick phone call?
• Who actually needs to be there? Am I inviting people out of obligation or a fear of excluding them?
• How can I ensure everyone feels heard and valued? Do I have a plan to facilitate a balanced discussion?

Size Matters: The Intimacy of Effective Meetings

Mega-meetings with 20 or more people rarely lead to meaningful interaction. They often devolve into one-sided lectures that could easily be replaced by a video or email. In my experience, the ideal size for a collaborative meeting is around ten people or fewer. This allows for a more intimate setting where everyone has a chance to contribute.

The Power of Saying “No”

It can be unsettling to be suddenly dropped from a meeting invitation list. But I believe we need to shift our perspective. Being excluded from a meeting can actually be a sign of respect. It means the organizer values your time and doesn’t want to involve you in something that isn’t relevant to your work.

Leading by Example

As a leader and meeting facilitator, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. This means:

• Setting a clear agenda and sticking to it.
• Actively encouraging participation from everyone in the room.
• Ending the meeting with a clear summary of decisions and next steps.

Meetings: A Reflection of Our Values

Ultimately, the way we conduct our meetings reflects our values as individuals and organizations. By prioritizing respect, purpose, and inclusivity, we can transform meetings from a dreaded chore into a valuable tool for collaboration and progress.

What are your biggest meeting pet peeves? How do you strive to make meetings more respectful and productive?