OH NO… NOT ANOTHER STUPID MEETING

Before we call a meeting we should ask the following questions…

Can we achieve the desired result with a ring around or with just two people face to face? Is this meeting really just ‘disguised working’ or a ‘social event’? How long has it been since anyone asked why we have this meeting, has it become a ritual? Are the decision makers attending or are substitutes sitting in? Do the loudest always win? Is that idiot with the mobile phone going to be there? Has this meeting become a forum for show offs and politicians? Is there an agenda and are minutes distributed? Do we make decisions and did anything happen as a result of the last meeting?

And remember…

If one person is late and keeps six other highly paid executives waiting ten minutes… one hour of productive (and expensive) time is lost.

And also remember…

Most managers think [if not say] that they spend too much time in unproductive time wasting… stupid bloody meetings… pardon my profanity.

ARE ALL THE MEETINGS IN YOUR DIARY… R-E-A-L-L-Y… NECESSARY…?

Worth a thought or a meeting perhaps!

www.orglearn.org has a major article on management

MEETINGS CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY

Many strange statements are made at meetings… here are a few to avoid…

I’m the boss! Why are we here? That’s a stupid idea! Listen to me… you don’t listen. I know you all agree, now just get on with it. He’s the expert we should do what he wants. What the &#%$ would your department know about this! It’s my call and that’s how it will be! Okay that’s enough; you don’t know what you’re talking about, now who’s next! How you feel is not important, just stick to the facts! You guys are just here to observe! Why do you keep disagreeing? Just to digress for a moment! Lets vote on it.

Or as Douglas McGregor put it (roughly)…

Effective Meetings…no tension, no boredom, everyone counts and contributes, no undue deference nor domination by the leader, understanding the goal with commitment by all, ensure relevance, disagreements are aired without ill feeling, criticism is constructive and freely given, consensus is sought, feelings are expressed as well as ideas and clear assignments are made…

and these are all “MUST HAVES”.

WHY NOT TAKE A CHECKLIST TO YOUR NEXT MEETING AND SEE HOW IT RANKS…

Worth a thought!

www.orglearn.org has a free blank resume form