Frank, Focused and Fruitful Meetings

When meetings become boring, extended and irrational, then it’s simply waste of time. Presumably, when you call for a meeting, there are simple etiquettes to be followed. More than being punctual to the conference chamber, it matters how a meeting turns out to be more practical. More than a confusing talk, it’s essential that one comes up with consistent and convincing topics. When subjects are spoken clearly and succinctly, it becomes easier for the attendees to perceive and reciprocate.

Otherwise, the whole meeting roster becomes pointless when a meeting resembles ‘one-man’ show wherein attendees are either baffled and mum or have nothing to say. It’s like, out of the meeting, everyone realizes what was said, what was overlooked, what are the issues unresolved and where there are up to.

In companies where too many departments exist, there’s more interaction through typical meetings. Besides sending and receiving internal meeting invitations, every active participant gets hooked up to manifold preparations. It becomes hectic when one has to recall past activities, sum up milestone achievements, jot down things to do, highlight pending tasks and assure imminent targets. 

It’s like working under constant pressure and getting flabbergasted with lengthy meetings, and no time for leisurely reflections and liveliness. Oftentimes, all the week-days become busier and stressful, with an exception of week-off that swiftly ends up while reminding about upcoming week’s repetitive bustle.

Strangely, some meetings are like serious sermons. For attendees, the whole meeting slot finishes in quite listening and frequent yawning, and there’s no opportunity for anyone to say anything. What to say when some meetings end up abruptly without any reminding remarks, significant synopsis or concluding comments.

Frankly, meetings go vague, if unrelated topics are discussed, and the real issues are ignored. And some meetings go berserk where agendas are mistaken, attendees become puzzled, topics are forgotten and conclusions are misunderstood. Perhaps, such meetings go misty with traces of oblivion in everyone.

Well, when meetings after meetings turn out to be open, rational and productive, then that’s okay. But, meetings without purpose, relevance and outcomes are just tiresome. 

It’s really sensible when meetings are short, problems are quickly addressed and solutions are sought through cordial dialogue and speedy decisions. It’s far better that everyone is aware of a meeting agenda and says what’s most relevant and required. Otherwise, seated blissfully on the chairs and drifting away from the subject sounds like sheer gossiping. Finally, minutes of a meeting looks worthwhile with action and accomplished items rather than overdue and recurring follow-up tasks.

Definitely, when responsible persons begin to realize their roles and responsibilities and behave honestly to their commitments, then they can encourage, lead and mentor others to become more punctual and dedicated workforce. If this happens, perhaps, there’s no need for mindful meetings where one has to keep hammering shortcomings, check loopholes to avoid hitches and tighten bolts and nuts to halt any malfunctioning.

Yes, for the sake of enhancing corporate culture, worthwhile innovation and overall productivity, let’s rethink for focused, short, structured and productive meetings. That way, there will be no regrets, and everyone will reciprocate with realistic results.

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