The Meeting Problem
Meetings are often the biggest time waster in organizations. Here's how to make them count.
Before the Meeting
- Question if meeting is necessary (could it be an email?)
- Define clear purpose and desired outcome
- Create and share agenda in advance
- Invite only essential attendees
- Set strict time limit
- Prepare materials ahead of time
During the Meeting
- Start on time, end on time
- Follow the agenda
- Assign note-taker
- Keep discussions focused
- Make decisions and document them
- Define action items with owners and deadlines
After the Meeting
- Distribute notes within 24 hours
- Follow up on action items
- Update project plans and task lists
- Schedule follow-up if needed
Meeting Alternatives
- Email update for informational items
- Shared document for collaborative work
- Quick Slack/Teams check-in
- 15-minute standup instead of hour-long meeting
- Office hours for questions
The Meeting Audit
Periodically review all recurring meetings:
- Is this still necessary?
- Could it be shorter?
- Are all attendees needed?
- Could frequency be reduced?