Are Meetings Draining the Life Out of Your Workday?

At my previous job, I often told my coworker that I had to run off to another meeting—or log into yet another Zoom call. She would shake her head and wonder how I managed to handle so many. Truthfully, I sometimes wondered the same thing. Meetings can feel like a time drain, pulling us away from the work that really matters.

But the truth is, meetings aren’t going anywhere. They’re a necessary part of most jobs. So doesn’t it make sense to make them as useful and productive as possible? In Death by Meeting, Patrick Lencioni asks a pointed question: “If we hate meetings, can we be making good decisions and successfully leading our organizations?” He’s right. Our work is too important to waste on poorly structured, boring meetings. Done well, meetings can be one of the best tools we have to move our organizations forward.

When designed with intention, meetings are tremendous opportunities: places where smart, passionate people come together to check in, solve complex problems, and plan for the future. Keys to success include fostering an environment where conflict is safe, using appropriate decision-making models (understanding that consensus isn’t always possible), and ensuring clear structure and purpose so no one leaves confused.

Great meetings are possible. You don’t have to dread that weekly team huddle or monthly board session. Contact me at Mustful Strategic Consulting, and let’s make your meetings work for you. Better meetings mean healthier organizations—and a greater impact.