Meetings Are Broken: 13 Unconventional Ideas to Fix Them

Tacettin İKİZ · January 25, 2025, 06:49:42 PM

Meetings Are Broken: 13 Unconventional Ideas to Fix Them

1. Ban Them
Meetings are often the default solution, but not every discussion needs to be a meeting. Instead, shift the culture to justify each meeting's necessity. Only schedule meetings for decisions or collaborative efforts that truly require a live discussion.

2. Restrict Them
Define specific days or time windows for meetings, like avoiding Mondays or restricting meetings after 3 PM. The harder it is to schedule a meeting, the more people will question its necessity and look for alternative solutions.

3. Try Email First
Before calling a meeting, explore whether an email can accomplish the same result. Craft clear emails summarizing the necessary points, so team members can respond asynchronously.

4. "No Agenda, No Attendance"
Insist on a clear agenda being sent out at least 24 hours before a meeting. Without an agenda, team members cannot prepare properly, leading to wasted time and extended discussions.

5. Start at Odd Times
Schedule meetings at unconventional times, such as 10:07 AM or 3:33 PM. This approach creates urgency, catches attention, and encourages punctuality among participants.

6. Display Cost Per Minute
Calculate the cost of a meeting by multiplying attendees' hourly rates by the meeting duration. Display this figure prominently to emphasize the cost of prolonged or unnecessary meetings.

7. Ban Phones
Encourage full focus by prohibiting phones and laptops during meetings. This ensures attendees are present and engaged without multitasking or distractions.

8. Remove Chairs
Standing meetings promote brevity and focus. Studies show they are not only shorter but also improve participants' health and encourage faster decision-making.

9. Have a Timer
Set strict time limits for each speaker or agenda item. Use an audible timer to ensure compliance, avoiding unnecessary digressions.

10. Use a 10-Word Rule
Ask participants to summarize their points in 10 words or less. This practice helps clarify ideas and ensures concise communication.

11. Brainstorm Silently
Instead of open discussions, allow participants to brainstorm individually before sharing. This avoids groupthink and encourages input from introverted team members.

12. Forbid Follow-Ups
Capture all key decisions and next steps during the meeting itself. Avoid vague promises of follow-up discussions and ensure actions are clear and agreed upon before closing.

13. Reexamine the Need
Before every meeting, ask whether it is truly necessary. Could the same outcome be achieved through alternative means? Use this principle to reduce redundant meetings and optimize productivity.

Streamline your meetings and empower your team with these unconventional strategies.

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Meetings Are Broken: 13 Unconventional Ideas to Fix Them

Tacettin İKİZ