Get your meetings right: Time is too valuable a resource
Time is the most scarce resource for any leader, influencing not only her individual performance but also the organization’s culture and strategic direction. Leaders, therefore, must be strategic in how they spend their time—with themselves, and in one-on-one as well as group meetings. Time alone allows leaders to both respond and react, but more importantly, step back, reflect and strategize.
Some CEOs, for instance, block off parts of their day to focus on these solo tasks, recognizing the importance of uninterrupted time for high-level thinking. Meetings are a significant component of a leader’s time expenditure. One Harvard study showed that CEOs spent 72% of their total work time in meetings, while another MIT Sloan article concluded that the average executive spends about 50% of his or her time in meetings.
At the same time, whether it is in the sitcom The Office or Dilbert cartoons, or in our conversations, there is a clear view that many group meetings are run poorly. This article focuses on what could help improve the effectiveness of meetings. Meetings are essential for decision-making, aligning a team and fostering collaboration.
However, to be effective, group meetings need to be well-structured. This includes having a clear agenda, defined objectives and ensuring the right people are in attendance. Avoiding unnecessary presentations and focusing on dialogue and decision-making can make them productive.
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