#NoMoreMeetings

“Meetings are a symptom of bad organization. The fewer meetings the better.” ~Peter Drucker

A few months ago, I shared my thoughts on the duality of our existence catalyzed by the global pandemic - many of us amidst a life of #WorkingfromHome vs. #LivingatWork. Upon reflection, have things changed? 

While several more months have passed and more people are venturing out - to see clients, serve customers, connect with partners, and spend time with employees - it also appears that many of us are caught in the paradox of our current state. Without the ability to be as physically present with each other as we were in “normal” times, countless numbers are harnessing video collaboration tools to get and stay connected. No question, while we are grateful for this ability to “see” others in real time, because we’ve largely lost the ability for an impromptu drop-in, it seems as if everything is a meeting. “Let’s hop on a WebEx, Zoom, Teams, or otherwise” isn’t quite the same as bumping into each other in the hallway. Did you ever think you’d miss the proverbial water cooler? The vast majority of people with whom I’ve had this discussion attest to the fact that they are actually working more hours with more intensity than they ever have. And #MeetingMadness is a contributing factor to growing fatigue. 

Another dynamic we must be cognizant of is the fact that we weren’t built for long term, long duration intensity of visual focus with back-to-back meetings on our webcams, as we have all experienced these past many months. Whether it’s the visual fatigue or the sedentary nature of our virtual meetings nowadays, neither is particularly helpful for our health - whether physical, mental, or emotional. So, what’s one to do - especially since there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight? Here are a couple of suggestions:

·      For your meeting protocol – re-evaluate the people, purpose, progress, productivity, and practice of your gatherings. Ensure a balance of efficiency and effectiveness.

·      Revisit your collaboration paradigms - rather than default to big groups coming together on a video call - save those for when it’s really necessary. Can work and teaming be apportioned in a way that decreases formality while increasing productivity through more meaningful connections?

·      Block time for ad hoc check-ins. Use modes of communication other than the video call. Some of my most productive discussions are outcomes of an ad hoc text coupled with a simple phone conversation. (No video - give your eyes a break!)

·      Get up and walk around! Which calls, meetings, conversations necessitate you to be engaged on video vs. not? For those not required, switch to audio, get mobile and move. You’d be surprised at how simple movement will help your well-being and focus.

·      Establish boundaries - we’re in this mode of operation for a while. Lead by example. Can you implement no meeting half-days? Create water cooler Wednesdays when people can just reach out and check-in with each other - without the structure of meetings? What can you do to help your teams build and develop relationships - in a more grassroots fashion?

I enjoy seeing my teams harness their creativity to recapture fun and camaraderie in virtual ways - whether it’s having themed gatherings, virtual potlucks or otherwise. What ideas and practices can you share which help keep spirits high and help make (and keep) relationships strong - all the while minimizing the monotony, being mindful of the holistic health of every member of your team?