Time spent with others.
WHY THEY CONSUME SO MUCH
They are easy to call and they consume everyone's time simultaneously.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE CALLING ONE
What decision or outcome is required Who is genuinely needed Whether it requires a meeting at all
WHAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A MEETING
Sharing information Status updates that could be written Anything one person will decide anyway
WHAT DOES
Decisions requiring discussion Disagreement that must be resolved Complex matters requiring several people Sensitive conversations
WHAT TO PREPARE
A purpose, stated What people should have read or considered A time limit
WHY A TIME LIMIT
Meetings expand to fill whatever is allocated.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH AT THE START
What must be decided by the end.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DISCUSSION THAT WANDERS
Return to the purpose.
WHAT TO RECORD
Decisions, actions, owners and dates.
WHY ACTIONS WITH OWNERS
Meetings without them change nothing.
WHAT TO CIRCULATE
Those, promptly.
WHAT TO AVOID
Recurring meetings nobody has assessed Meetings with more attendees than necessary Meetings without a purpose
WHAT TO DO ABOUT RECURRING MEETINGS
Review whether each still earns its place.
HOW
Cancel one, and see whether anyone notices.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INVITED UNNECESSARILY
Decline, and ask for the outcome instead.
WHY
Attending unnecessary meetings is a choice.
