Let's Talk About Meetings: Turning Your Biggest Time Drain into Your Best Asset

How much of your work week is eaten up by meetings? If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking, "Too much!" It’s no secret that meetings have a bad rep for being the biggest time wasters in the workplace.

But what if I told you that we can change that and turn these necessary evils into productive powerhouses.

The High Cost of “Just Another Meeting”

It’s time to face the music: many of our meetings are simply not pulling their weight. They're wasteful, woeful, painful, meandering time suckers, and they often leave us wondering, "What was the point of all that?"

But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t have to be this way. In my book, The 25 Minute Meeting, I’ve laid out strategies that can help you slash unnecessary meeting time and get back hours of your week. Imagine what you could do with that extra time!

And here are a few things you could do immediately to begin to get some changes.

Role Call! Who’s Doing What?

First things first, let’s define clear roles within our meetings. Appoint a timekeeper to keep us honest about the clock, a note-taker to capture all those great ideas, and a facilitator to steer the ship. This isn’t just about keeping order; it’s about empowering everyone to contribute effectively. When roles are clear, meetings run smoother, and we all get more done.

Embracing Tech to Supercharge Collaboration

We live in a digital age where technology can make our lives easier—if we let it. Tools like AI, shared documents, and digital whiteboards can make even remote meetings feel up-close and personal. These tools aren't just flashy gadgets; they're your best friends for keeping everyone engaged and making sure ideas flow freely.

The Power of the Quick Debrief

After every meeting, take a moment for a quick debrief. What worked well? What didn’t? This isn’t about finger-pointing; it’s about evolving. By embracing immediate feedback, we create a culture where every meeting is an opportunity to improve. Continuous improvement is the game, and you’re all key players.

Shifting the Meeting Mindset

Changing the meeting culture in an organisation is no small feat, and it's incredibly rewarding. It starts with shifting our mindset to see meetings not as time sinks but as crucial opportunities to make decisions and drive action. This shift is at the heart of the 25-minute meeting concept. It’s simple: by capping meetings at 25 minutes, we cut to the chase and keep things laser-focused.

Meetings then become something we can manage and master—not something that masters us. By ensuring every meeting has a clear purpose and outcome, we're not just saving time; we're making every second count.

Meetings don't have to be your worst nightmare. With a bit of structure, the right tools, and a willingness to adapt, they can become a key asset in your organisational toolkit. Let’s stop the cycle of unproductive meetings and start making every meeting worthwhile.

Ready to transform your meetings and reclaim your time? I’m here to help you make that happen. Ask me how I can make your meetings more meaningful, engaging, and, above all, productive. After all, time is precious—let's not waste it in meetings that don't matter!

Donna McGeorge is a global authority on productivity, and best-selling author of the "It's About Time" book series. A regular contributor to Forbes, Fast Company and Harvard Business Review, you can find out more at www.donnamcgeorge.com