Monday, May 11, 2015

Making Meetings Count

I've heard it said that there is nothing worse than endless meetings. I almost completely agree. Having constant meetings is exceptionally counterproductive, but to say that there’s nothing worse is to exhibit a slight ignorance. It’s not the worst thing. Having no communication is even worse. So, if both extremes are bad, then what is the proper balance?

I propose that the question is not one of balance, but rather, it's one of quality and kind. If the communication is important, and the most appropriate mode of communication is chosen, then it's almost impossible to have too much of it. The answer is not to focus on how many meetings you are having or how long they last. Rather, the answer lies in making sure that you are only communicating the things that are actually important, and in making sure that you only have meetings when meetings are the most appropriate method for communicating those ideas.