Most professionals dream of better hair, a slimmer waist, and shorter meetings. The biggest complaint is that they run too long. This doesn’t happen by accident.
I’ve identified 5 Meeting Monsters that eat up time, chew up effectiveness, and spit out more problems. Let’s review some of what can turn a ten minute talk into a hours of purgatory:
If You Breathe, You Must Talk
In some organizations the corporate culture makes everyone feel like they have to contribute to a discussion. Not talking is seen as losing power in the company hierarchy.
As a result, you get people talking who really don’t know what they’re talking about. It’s similar to when a fan of the TV show, House, decides to diagnose your ailments. Just because someone has a voice, doesn’t mean it needs to be heard in every meeting.
Good Times Gang
These meetings tend to be a lot of fun. People talk about what they watched on TV last night, jokes are shared, and there’s lots of laughter.
There’s also very little work getting done. This scenario is especially common in organizations that are experiencing challenges. Part of the problem is that no one is willing to make a tough decision. It’s much easier and more fun to talk about American Idol.
The Artist
This person frequently spends the entire meeting doodling. So while everyone else is talking about important stuff, his or her attention is spent recreating the Sistine Chapel on a legal pad. It’s a distraction. Would you want a pilot doodling while landing a plane? Put down your pencil and focus on the meeting. This is another example of giving the gift of your attention to others.
Some will say they need to draw to think. This may be true but I think better while getting a massage and I’m not getting one during the session.
I’ll Be Right There
This person doesn’t like meetings. The challenge is that the meeting is probably being held for that person’s benefit or because his or her input is needed. Arriving fashionably late, lengthens the session for all. Treat meetings like a surprise birthday party, where if a guest doesn’t come on time to hide behind the sofa, the surprise is spoiled.
Lighting Cigars With Money
Long meetings often become the equivalent of burning lots of $20 or $50 bills. Look around the room at your next meeting. Calculate how much you’re paying people to sit in a room. It can add up fast. Is it any wonder that you may be falling short of your big picture goals? Instead of chasing them, your team is molding the furniture to the backsides.
Meetings are part of our working world but you can make them more effective by avoiding these traits.
###
Copyright 2011 Ken Okel
Ken Okel helps people and organizations get around the obstacles that are blocking the path to success.
If you want to get better results, subscribe to his free, biweekly newsletter at www.kenokel.com
You will also receive his special report, 7 Communication Mistakes that are Costing You Money, and have a chance to watch clips from his presentations.
Ken is available to speak to your organization. Call him at (561) 737-4321 or email TVGuy@kenokel.com to reserve your program date or to find out more.
