Why Bad Meetings are an Offence to Our Time

As someone who has spent much time the last 10 years in (remote-) meetings, I can confidently say that I know how awful they can be. But I also believe that meetings are a fundamental achievement of humankind. The key lies in understanding how to make 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?