When change creates a high level of anxiety, for example, when priorities are unclear and changes chaotic, one of the first places people hide for protection is in meetings. There is an inverse correlation between level of productive change and the number of wasteful meetings. Many in-person or virtual meetings give the appearance of work, but often are a busy way of wasting time where nothing of real value is accomplished.

In addition to unrooting the underlying causes of anxiety, begin work at reducing meeting waste. Here are 10 steps to follow:

1. Don’t hold or attend the meeting unless there’s no alternative. Attend only if you must. How will you add value to the meeting? What can you learn? Is there anyone who can take your place? What will happen if you don’t attend?

“Walk out of a meeting or drop off a call as soon as it is obvious you aren't adding value. It is not rude to leave, it is rude to make someone stay and waste their time.” Elon Musk, 2021

2.   Start and stop on time. Don’t wait for latecomers. Stop when the agenda or time runs out, whichever comes first.

3.   Everyone comes prepared, no excuses.

4.   Meet no longer than 60 mins. Best length is 30-45 mins. Stretch every 15 mins.

6.   Unless you are brainstorming, stick to a timed agenda.  Appoint a timer who keeps you on time and a tracker who keeps you on track.

7. Put off-track items into a ‘bin.’  Allow ten (10) minutes at the end of the meeting to deal with these.

8.   Don’t let meetings be interrupted.

9. Summarize at the end. Ask for feedback. Outline action items, responsible parties, and follow-up dates.

10. Send brief minutes within 24 hours. And follow up on action items!

Most important ….

Don’t be boring. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.