Have you ever had a root canal? You know, that less-than-pleasant dental procedure where you’re stuck in the chair, waiting for the dentist to work their magic. It’s not exactly a fond memory, right?
Interestingly, a company called Clarizen conducted a study on meetings, and you won’t believe what they found. A whopping 8% of the respondents said they’d rather go through a root canal than attend another meeting!
Bonjour, in this video, I want to share one simple tip that can improve your meeting effectiveness.
As someone who collaborates with leaders from across the globe – brilliant minds, mind you – I’ve observed a common thread: meetings. These powerhouses are spending a significant chunk of their day in meetings – an average of seven, to be precise. Shockingly, these interactions gobble up more than 70% of their time! Don’t get me wrong; meetings serve a purpose, but there’s a catch. When I delve deeper and ask about their thoughts on meetings, the consensus is clear: there’s too many, they’re too long, and often poorly executed. The lament is real, and it usually boils down to meeting quality.
So here’s a question for you. Think back to the last ten meetings you attended. How many truly stood out as unique? And how many followed a somewhat familiar pattern? Chances are, a whopping 80% fell into the “quite similar” category.
But wait, here’s a thought. Would you bake a cake using a new recipe every single time? Unlikely! The same logic applies to meetings. I propose a solution – a framework. Personally, I’ve adopted a nine-box framework, a three-by-three setup. I segment my meeting into these nine boxes, covering everything from the opening introduction to the meeting’s tempo and agenda.
It might not be nine for you; it could be six or any other number that suits. What matters is the structure. Here is an example
Initially, yes, it takes a tad longer to fill and prepare – maybe 10 to 15 minutes. But trust me, the rewards are immense. This framework streamlines my meeting preparation, ensuring they’re quicker and more efficient. I hit the right notes faster, delivering quality interactions without losing track.
And here’s the beauty of it: I revisit and refine this framework after each meeting, making it sharper and more effective. Over time, it’s become second nature, transforming what was once a dread into a manageable and even enjoyable process. No, it’s not like a root canal!
Now, my question for you is, is there a meeting in your calendar that could benefit from a simple framework, even if it’s just a first draft??
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip – harness the power of a structured approach to meetings.
I hope you have a lovely day.
A bientôt,
