If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

If No Action, Why Is There a Meeting?!

People always complain about meetings. Not customer meetings or sales meetings. Nope, it’s those internal meetings from hell that drive us crazy on a weekly basis.

In a discussion last week after work, I was with a few folks enjoying adult beverages while pondering the thought that somehow management at our respective companies would get a grip. It seems there are more obstacles to getting things accomplished in corporate America than ever before. No, it’s not just where you work.

There are more people who need to get involved. Decisions are being made committee. But not just a few people. Lots of folk have their hands in the mix. Just makes it seem more difficult than it needs to be to many of the people at the event.

The issue that piqued the most interest was the meeting that has no result. Just covering the same information you’ve heard before. An update on an update. I am of the opinion that if there is no action required as a result of a meeting agenda, then an email or telephone call will probably suffice.

I know that isn’t true for everything, but I think if people really thought through what they needed from each meeting, they may decide everything can be accomplished without pulling everyone together at once.

Now, I understand there are issues that aren’t appropriate for email. But for the most part, if people sent clear and concise emails with appropriate details and lists of options for feedback, we could cancel 10-15% of the meetings on our calendar.

Of course, that is with the understanding that everyone opens, reads and responds to their email. But that’s another blog post altogether!

Do you think there are too many meetings in your workweek? Let me know in the comments.

 

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