Do you schedule or lead an ongoing meeting? Do you have any idea if it adds value? Do participants look forward to your meetings? Or, do they secretly (or openly) hope for some unforeseen circumstance to occur each week that would cause it to be cancelled?

Since I am currently ensnared in a mind-numbing, time-wasting recurring meeting, I'm keen to share these hints.

Your meeting might be a drag if...

  • You're the only one who brings a computer and/or a notebook.
  • You're the only one who is on time.
  • You mostly hear yes or no answers in response to your questions.
  • Everyone but you bolts for the door as you're declaring the meeting is finished.
  • Participants frequently ask that the meeting be abbreviated due to urgent (read: more important) tasks or deadlines.
  • It seems impossible to reschedule it because participants' calendars are mysteriously blocked off during all your available times.
  • Getting people to attend is like pulling teeth (or invitees would gladly trade your meeting for a trip to the dentist).

If you're still reading, there is hope for you and your meeting. You simply need to ask invitees how the meeting can be modified to ensure it adds value. If it's a staff meeting, ask your team members to submit agenda topics they feel will be of value to most. Or, consider meeting in person only once a month and conducting perfunctory status update tasks via email. You also could consider rotating the agenda and meeting facilitation duties to bring in fresh perspectives and approaches.

Or, you could continue to make your colleagues suffer. Be advised, though, that the old saying "what goes around comes around" applies to everyone, including you.

Franny Fried