Why are Some Meetings a Waste of Time?
Why are some meetings a waste of time?
Many meetings are often a waste of time because:
- The meeting was held "out of habit".
- The meeting lacked a definite purpose.
- Too many people, or the wrong people, were invited to attend.
- There was no proper agenda.
- The meeting was badly chaired and went off-topic.
- The conversation was chaotic.
- The delegates were ill-prepared.
- The delegates' attitudes were negative.
- The decision was deferred again, and so the meeting achieved nothing of value.
- The cost of the meeting was more than its value.
Learn how to chair a successful meeting.
How to make meetings more efficient
In order to fix the problem that meetings are a waste of time, remember the following:
- Meetings should not be called out of habit.
- All meetings should be held in order to achieve a definite purpose.
- Only a minimum number should attend, and they should be the right people.
- There should be a written agenda.
- A competent chair person should run the meeting and keep things on track.
- The conversation should be ordered, systematised and kept on track, by the chairperson.
- The delegates should prepare themselves by finding, organising and bringing the information that is necessary to make the final decision.
- The delegates should strive to attend the meeting with their CAN-DO attitude switched on.
- Don't dither. Make the decision. Recognise that decisions must be made in the light of incomplete and uncertain knowledge.
- Ensure the value of the meeting outweighs its cost.
To calculate the hidden cost of your meetings, try this brilliant Cost of Meetings App.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Time Management
-
What is the Action Priority Matrix?
Prioritise your work using the Action Priority Matrix method and instead of filling your day with trivial tasks, you will accomplish more of the work that really matters.
Read Article > -
Don't Leave it to the Last Minute
One of the most common mistakes people make, is to leave things until the last minute. Preparation is the distinguishing factor that separates the winners from the losers.
Read Article > -
Managing Stress
Reducing your stress levels can be achieved by management of your work load and time pressures, together with managing the emotional responses to such pressures.
Read Article > -
How to plan your time effectively
Good Time Planning Planning ahead (in writing) is one of the keys to personal effectiveness. You need to plan ahead. Failure to plan ahead would force you into the position of acting without a plan, meaning; you would be making it up as you go along, which would mean that you...
Read Article > -
Why are some meetings a waste of time?
Do you feel meetings are a waste of time? Here are some tips to help you decide whether a meeting should be held and an app to help you calculate the approximate cost of the meeting.
Read Article >
Looking for Time Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Time Management Skills, you may find this Time Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 14 days, Exeter, places available