For Anna, head-HR at an IT company, setting objectives and even scheduling follow-ups wasn’t enough. Meetings still dragged on, leaving participants drained and unproductive.
In the remote and hybrid work landscape, the once-simple act of having a meeting has become a logistical minefield. But it doesn’t have to be this way. What if, instead of time-wasters, meetings could become engines of progress? To truly unlock the potential of meetings, we need to transform them from productivity sinkholes into powerhouses.
“Meetings without a clear agenda are invitations to wander,” says Tanaya Misra, VP-HR, Endo International. “They quickly devolve into aimless discussions, leading to wasted time and minimal outcomes.” To counter this, a well-defined agenda is crucial. Think of it as a roadmap, outlining topics, goals, and the estimated time for each. Crucial project updates, key challenges, and brainstorming sessions could all find their place on this map, guiding the conversation towards a productive destination.
“Meetings without a clear agenda are invitations to wander. They quickly devolve into aimless discussions, leading to wasted time and minimal outcomes.”
Tanaya Misra, VP-HR, Endo International
Another culprit behind endless meetings? Unnecessary attendees. Kamlesh Dangi, group head-HR at InCred, advocates for a strategic approach to invitations. “Only those crucial to the agenda should be included,” he insists. This not only frees up the time of uninvolved parties but also fosters focused discussions among those directly invested in the outcome.
But with a focused group and a clear agenda, it’s still easy to lose the thread. Enter the moderator, the captain of the meeting ship. Their role is to ensure the conversation stays on course, addressing each agenda point efficiently and encouraging all voices to be heard. This not only prevents time wastage but also creates a collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely.
Time, as they say, is money, and nowhere is this truer than in meetings. Misra encourages ‘timeboxing’, a technique that allocates specific durations for each agenda item. Fifteen minutes for project updates, thirty for strategic planning – this structure ensures everyone’s time is respected and the meeting remains concise.
Further efficiency can be found in tailoring meetings to participants. Imagine a lengthy session divided into focused segments, with individuals attending only the sections relevant to their roles. This minimises frustration and ensures each participant’s time is utilised effectively. Collaboration tools such as SharePoint can also play their part, providing a central hub for agendas, minutes, and documents, keeping everyone informed and on the same page.
“Only those crucial to the agenda should be included. This not only frees up the time of uninvolved parties but also fosters focused discussions among those directly invested in the outcome.”
Kamlesh Dangi, group head-HR at InCred
Technology, a double-edged sword, can also be a powerful tool for meeting efficiency. Project management platforms, video conferencing tools, and collaborative documents can all streamline communication and make virtual meetings as productive as their in-person counterparts.
“Consider alternative communication channels for information,” suggests Dangi. Pre-circulating concise presentations or written updates can replace lengthy verbal explanations during the meeting. This allows for quicker discussions, focusing only on relevant questions and ensuring participants’ time is used efficiently.
But even the most efficient meeting can fall victim to over-saturation. Dangi challenges the daily ritual of morning meetings, often replicated for information reinforcement. “The physical fatigue induced by prolonged screen time might outweigh the benefits,” he warns. Rethinking the frequency of regular meetings can combat screen fatigue and ensure higher engagement when crucial discussions do occur.
Ultimately, transforming meetings into productivity powerhouses requires a strategic shift in mindset. By setting clear agendas, fostering focused discussions, and tailoring meetings to specific needs, organisations can break free from the shackles of time-wasting gatherings. Recognising the value of participants’ time is key, and crafting meetings that respect and optimise it is the true path to productivity.
