Meetings are part of leadership. We need them to align and understand. Yet, we often do it at the expense of action. The success lies in the milestones achieved. In essence, “Fewer Meetings, More Milestones” philosophy where action is more important.
Don’t get me wrong. Communication is the backbone of any successful team. But let’s be honest, how many times have you sat through a meeting thinking, “This could have been an email”? It’s exactly why we need to embrace a new approach. Here are a few angles I’d like to take.
Quick Huddles > Long Talks
Imagine having huddles that address specific points as opposed to long talks. Quick huddles are these energizing little team check-ins that can happen stand-up style, in the hallway, or even virtually. They’re about touching base swiftly, addressing immediate issues, and then, bam, back to work. It’s like choosing a quick, refreshing sprint over a never-ending marathon. Your team stays informed and aligned, and you save a ton of time.
Prioritize Tools Over Talks
Nowadays, there’s a tool for pretty much everything. Project management software, collaboration platforms, you name it. When your team has the right tech at their fingertips, they can streamline their workflow, cut down on redundant conversations. Your team then can do the actual work instead of just talking about it.
Choose Chats That Matter
Not every chat needs to be a meeting, and not every meeting needs to happen. Find conversations that truly make a difference. Does a meeting move the project forward? Is it essential for everyone to weigh in? If the answer’s a “no,” then maybe it’s something that can be resolved with a quick message or shared update. If you need updates, find otherways, I use what I call a newsletter where everyone posts the status of their projects.
What This All Means for You
Embracing fewer meetings isn’t just about freeing up our calendars. Trusting them to own their time and decision-making fosters a stronger, more autonomous team. So, when you aren’t there, they can still operate.
In the end, leadership isn’t about holding meetings. Encouraging quick huddles, prioritizing tools, and focusing on meaningful chats will give you a more efficient and empowered team. So, let’s all take a look at our calendars and be a little more ruthless with that “Schedule Meeting” button.