Why Meetings Can Be a Drag and a Total Waste of Time; How to Make Them Better.

Let's Talk About Those Long, Boring Meetings

Do you ever feel like you spend all day in meetings and get nothing done?

I've been there. Back when I was working with teams all over the world, it felt like I was always in a meeting, sometimes with people 13 hours ahead or behind my time zone. I've tried so many ways to make meetings less of a headache.

Here's what I did:

1. Colorful Calendars: I tried making my schedule look like a rainbow to see if that helped. Spoiler: it didn't.
2. Shorter Meetings: Ending meetings 5 minutes early so everyone could catch a break or grab a coffee seemed like a good idea.
3. Odd Start Times: Starting meetings at odd times, like 9:03, to make people think I was serious about time management.
4. No Latecomers: I made it clear that being late or unprepared was a big no-no for me.
5. Start On Time: If someone was late, we started without them. No rewards for being late!
6. Change of Scene: Sometimes, I'd have meetings in other people's offices, so I could leave when I needed to without feeling awkward.
7. Stick to the Plan: Always have a list of things to talk about and stick to it, saving questions for the end.

Even after trying all this, things didn't really change. Why? Well, changing habits is hard, and sometimes, if you're the only one doing something different, it doesn't stick.

New Ideas for Better Meetings from "The 6 Types of Working Genius"

I discovered some game-changing ideas in a book called "The 6 Types of Working Genius" by Patrick Lencioni.

It talks about how we all have different kinds of genius that can make meetings (and work) way better.

Here's a breakdown:

1. Wonder: These people are great at asking big questions and spotting what needs to change.
2. Invention: They come up with new, creative ideas.
3. Discernment: They have a knack for understanding which ideas are the best.
4. Galvanizing: They get everyone excited and ready to go.
5. Enablement: They're supportive and help make ideas happen.
6. Tenacity: They make sure things get finished and goals are met.

Using these talents can totally transform your meetings. Here's how:

• Before the Meeting: Let the 'Wonder' people question the purpose and the 'Invention' folks suggest creative agenda items.
• Picking the Agenda: Use 'Discernment' to choose which topics are worth talking about.
• During the Meeting: 'Galvanize' to get everyone pumped up and participating, and 'Enablement' to support each other's contributions.
• After the Meeting: Count on 'Tenacity' to follow up and make sure what was decided happens.

Let's Make a Change Together

Now, it's over to you. Armed with these insights and strategies, you have the power to transform your meetings from time-draining obligations into dynamic, productive sessions that you and your team can look forward to. Remember, the goal isn't just to make meetings less of a drag; it's about leveraging the unique strengths of each team member to achieve more together.

Here's Your Next Step

Start with your next meeting. Pick one strategy from what we've discussed—whether it's using the "6 Types of Working Genius" to tap into your team's strengths, setting clearer agendas, or simply starting and ending on time. Implement it, observe the difference it makes, and then, don't stop there. Share your experiences with your team, encourage feedback, and continuously seek ways to improve.

Be the Catalyst for Change

But why stop at your team? If you see the benefits, spread the word.?

Share what you've learned and experienced with other teams in your organization. Imagine the impact if every meeting in your company became more efficient, engaging, and enjoyable. You have the potential to not just change how your team works, but to influence your entire organization's culture.

Meetings don't have to suck. With a little effort, creativity, and commitment to change, we can all look forward to more productive, engaging, and meaningful meetings.?

So, what will you try in your next meeting??

Let's take the first step towards better meetings today.

And if you've found a particular strategy that works wonders for your team, don't keep it to yourself!?

Let's learn from each other and make meetings something we all can excel at.

Have you used the Working Genius model before? Do you have any meeting success stories tips you'd like to share?