The Leading Edge: Spot This HUGE Red Flag in Meetings

 We’ve all been in those meetings where a lot of things get discussed (including the important stuff, like snacks), but then we leave and wonder if anything was actually decided.

It turns out, we accomplished nothing.

What if I told you there was an easy way to spot these unproductive meetings in the first 30 seconds?  An “Early warning system” of sorts, that would give you an opportunity to course-correct and get an hour of your life back?

Listen for the leader to state the purpose of the meeting.  And if they say we’re here to “talk about” or “discuss” the topic at hand, press the pause button.  Because the odds are very high that you will have an unproductive meeting that technically accomplishes the purpose of “talking about” or “discussing” the issue at hand.

The next time this happens, simply speak up and clarify what will be accomplished by the time everyone leaves.  And it is usually one (or more) of five things:

1.        Solve a Problem

2.        Make a Decision

3.        Develop a Plan

4.        Gain Approval, or

5.        Align (common with Status meetings to reduce rework and wasted effort)

So give that a shot and let us know how it goes. Or share your favorite tips to ensure productive meeting time. And, if you and your team would like help with group problem solving, decision making, or strategic planning, we’d love to assist!