The Chair, Table & Walking

I have been a big fan of meetings, especially the face-to face types although I have no disdain for digital meetings such as WebEx, FaceTime, Skype, etc. I love the camaraderie when we sit across the table whether to ideate, solve a complex issue or simply savor a coffee and discuss current affairs, Business Management and much more. However, I have a problem with these meetings. Actually three; unannounced or sudden meetings; Meetings without an Agenda; and those that go beyond the proposed schedule. I have been a victim for all the three and that too many times and this irks me the most. 

One of my former Bosses at BIAL, Mr. Stephan Widrig, the then Chief Commercial Officer would quip that when a meeting schedule is fixed, one shouldn’t arrive at the venue at the time, rather start the actual meeting at the time and rather arrive at the venue a tad early to refresh oneself. Till date, I follow it to the T. However, some meetings are never ending. People love their chairs, tables, computer screens and if there’s a possibility of unlimited coffee, biscuits and snacks (Swiggy & Uber Eats), then it’s even worse. Then there’s this thing as a working lunch – uh oh, how much I hate that. I wonder how can one focus on something so important as food or as equally important that is the meeting itself, simultaneously!

I have a deeper issue with the chairs and tables of these meetings too. There’s umpteen research which suggests why a Round Table is better for Business Meetings which provide more meaningful and positive outcomes than those with sharp edges. Then the Chairs; from flat back panels to cushy leather ones, from national to international brands, they are aplenty. I was recently talking to someone in the BPO Industry who quipped how even junior level staff are picky about their chairs and the comfort since they are seated for over 8 hours a day on work. In Meeting Rooms that I have been to across the Country over the years, I have seen chairs of so many types, shapes, brands and sizes. The best ones have been those bucket seats akin to what a Pilot of an Aircraft sits probably – so comfy that getting out of it is a toughie. 

There has been much discussed about the health hazards of seating all day or for long hours at work. Experts suggest that for every 40 minutes of seating, a 5-minute walk is essential. Similarly, when a meeting proceeds for more than 20 minutes and after a round of coffee or tea is served, I have seen them becoming monotonous or heading towards a direction which was neither intended nor worthy of, something akin to the Law of Diminishing Returns in Economics. To the extent that social issues, current affairs, politics and religion get added up in between key discussion points that the entire meeting gets unproductive. If these are non-face meetings over Conference Calls, then it’s even worse for some of them may get distracted with other screens such as a mobile phone or computer or even a Tv. If the meeting is scheduled for more than 1 hour, then be sure that this could get extended to over 90 minutes, save for a second round of coffee, tea and biscuits. 

Here’s what I have been onto for a few years now. I do not prefer to be seated for more than 20 minutes in any meeting, especially if I have called one. I have also started preferring walking meetings where the tendency to get seated and become comfortable over coffee and snacks is reduced tremendously, while also ensuring one doesn’t gorge too much on fatty sugary stuff. I have heard anecdotes how Jeff Bezos orders a single medium Pizza for a 4-member session and the meeting is over along with the Pizza; the numerous walks that Steve Jobs would undertake with his associates, media etc. After all, walking is good. Keep Walking.