How to End Boring Meetings

Boring meetings are like burning money, yet millions of them take place daily. You might be in one of them right now.?One survey indicates about 70% of employees feel meetings don't help them get their work done. That's inexcusable.

Boring meetings costs businesses and taxpayers millions of dollars each day because they waste the time and productivity of the people stuck in them. Why then, isn't this being fixed?

There are two problems: (1) Too many meetings in the first place (2) Poor value in the ones held

(1) Too frequent Too often, meetings are the result of a poor internal communication process. You wouldn't need to "get caught up on things" if clear communication was part of the culture. Meetings are also often used as propaganda or gripe sessions rather than something that will produce an action plan. And "touchy-feely" cultures often cultivate the desire to include everyone in nearly every decision. That's overkill.?

(2) Poor Value You get "bored" when you feel there's nothing in it for you. Indeed, a meeting can be one of the loneliest places if you feel you're not part of the program.

A strong meeting requires the following:

A)?Value Agenda Put in writing, prior to the meeting, a clear statement on the goal. What's the end result needed?

B) Good Preparation Do homework ahead of time. Determine what role you are expected to play in making the meeting a success and prepare well for that role. Call or email ahead to get the needed answers, if necessary. Learn about the attendees and their agenda.

C)?Know Your Story…In A Nutshell Based on what you learned about attendees, prepare to tell your story in a way that interests them. Focus on what value you can give them. Get to the point!

D)?Points for Style Arriving late, whispering too much, shabby appearance, cell phone distractions --- they all reflect poorly on you. These negative effects say, “Not Ready for Prime Time.”

E) Listen Well Sometimes, the real problems don't become evident until the meeting unfolds. Be observant and proactive.

F) Start on Time It's amazing how prompt people can be when they know there is a consequence for being late.

G) Allow invitees the chance to pass on the meeting if they wish, with no penalty. ? If the meetings offer real value, they'll show up.?

H) Interrupt the time wasters Politeness does not require you to accept participants repeating what was said or taking you off topic.

I) Be the Closer if Needed Know when to take charge if the meeting facilitator drops the ball. Make sure the question is asked and answered, “As we conclude, who’s doing what? An action plan is essential.

Meetings can be a valuable resource. The fault lies with some of the people in them. You can be the white knight.

Mark Grimm is a longtime communication strategist and corporate trainer.