Meetings V.2
- Nicky King
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Meetings, meetings, and yet MORE meetings! They have become … actually, let me rephrase … they continue to be a source of frustration for me.
Are they always necessary? No.
Are they always beneficial? Again, no.
If you're constantly in meetings, when do you have time to get work done?
People who know me often say, “She doesn’t like meetings.” I always correct them … I like meetings when they’re necessary. I prefer meetings over endless email communications, Teams messages, etc. But when a meeting isn’t necessary, I’d much rather stay focused and get my work done.
Meetings may NOT be necessary for:
Simple information sharing … If the purpose of a meeting is only to share information, consider using other tools—such as shared documents, dashboards, or group messages—that allow everyone to access the information on their own time without interrupting their production.
Routine tasks … Recurring or straightforward tasks should be documented in a central location so they can be referenced as needed … no meeting required.
People who cannot offer expertise or input. Limit meetings to those who can contribute meaningfully. Involving the right experts ensures that discussions are productive and decisions are well-informed.
Meetings can be helpful, and at times, necessary, but please, PLEASE follow some basic principles to make them more effective:
Create an agenda. Assign the right people to speak on specific topics and, if needed, set time limits for discussion. I’ve been in too many meetings where the same people speak … and say the same things … over and over again.
Set a sufficient meeting time. Not every meeting needs to be an hour. Be realistic about how much time is truly needed to reach a decision … AND STICK TO IT! Shut the meeting down on time.
Designate a meeting coordinator. Someone should be assigned to manage the time and agenda, ensuring the meeting stays focused and on track. Few things are more frustrating than one-hour meetings that run over with no clear purpose.
Invite only the necessary participants. Bring in only the key players. Meetings cost time and money. Make them count by keeping them focused and relevant.
