Don’t Catch the Vapors - Bad meetings aren’t hard to recognize and the results feel even worse. They’re unfocused, resistant to participation, consumed with a single idea, or saturated with indecision and insecurity. What are these vapors I reference - Answer me this how much time is wasted on meetings weekly 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%?
I have a conference call…and while we are on these critical calls we multi-task and miss the areas of contribution then you hang up and uncertain of what you committed to do during the meeting – therefore perpetuating the vicious cycle.
Sometimes I walk out of meetings and think to myself..."I can never get that hour back in my life". Meaningless meetings cause other problems, too, like the “concussion effect.” That’s when people leave a meeting drained, dazed and confused, instead of excited about the work they’ve just discussed, everyone is exhausted - “Vapors”.
Run meetings where participants actually participate - consider alternatives, solve problems, make decisions, or assess mistakes and successes to further the divisions or group’s overall improvement. Focus on daily operations or on strategy. Separate the two, since strategy often gets neglected because it doesn’t seem urgent. Shorter, more regular meetings on operations and initiatives will keep focus.
I use a phrase constantly, “it is all about the pre-game”, and its focused on being prepared for anything. This is about being prepared to contribute during a meeting - what do you need to do differently? Take responsibility and commit to participate and surpass the expectations of the meeting planner. One other suggestion is when you get a meeting notice why not make recommendations to control mood, drive desired behaviors, and create focus around knowledge sharing and collaboration. These motivational elements will build momentum and drive towards outcomes.
Get out of the vapor and focus on meaningful interactions that move people forward.
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