5 Tips to Improve Work Meetings

Two work meetings had me thinking: people really are cray, cray

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Why do impromptu meetings exist? Why should I, or anyone else, entertain a surprise office visit that turns into a 10-minute meeting? For important, time-sensitive issues, logical. Otherwise, time is being played with. Send me a meeting invitation and allow for preparation. Slamming new ideas and initiatives in front of someone without lead time is selfish.

Second meeting gone wrong example. A fellow meeting attendee acting as meeting host. This person pushed their own agenda and vented for several minutes. Unhinged. A gentle nudge got us back on track but we are all professionals. Why do I have to monitor colleagues?

Make Work Meetings Effective and Efficient

Colleagues are battling loss, financial obstacles, heartaches and other issues that go unspoken. Be kind to one another even to those you detest. Work is not that serious - family, and health are more important than work dynamics.

Folks really talk over each other with ease and it’s normalized. Blame it on the CNN and Fox News debate style roundtable rants. Shift to one voice at a time. Sounds basic, but I have been in many spaces where chaotic conversations are celebrated. Allow speakers to share their thoughts in a safe, non-confrontational way.

Let creativity and shared intellectual thought guide meetings. Instead, some attendees sit in fear of inquiry. Make meetings safe for all participants to seek answers. The host and other guests should welcome feedback and questions.

Listen, 90-minute meetings make no sense. Sometimes, believe it or not, much is accomplished in 15-minute sessions. Manage the time of others well. Pleasantries are nice ways to start meetings but do so in a timely manner. Start with kind words, move on and stay on topic. Sending an agenda prior to the meetings gives participants the ability to prepare. Be mindful of time; it’s a true gift. Did I mention stay on topic? My dog is cute but a long rendition about his morning routine ain’t it.

Enter a space aware of your privileges and biases. Determine where you have biases to grow in those areas. Privilege is power so understand how your power diminishes from the powerless.