Ted Talks Daily – Why meetings suck and how to fix them | WorkLife with Adam Grant

Intro

In this episode of “WorkLife with Adam Grant” on Ted Talks Daily, Adam Grant explores why meetings often feel unproductive and how they can be improved. With insights from a survey of 31,000 people across 31 countries, Grant provides evidence-based solutions to make meetings more efficient and engaging.

Main Takeaways

The Cost of Inefficient Meetings

• In a recent survey, more than two-thirds of respondents reported that inefficient meetings were the number one disruptor of productivity.
• Meetings can be unproductive, awkward, and exhausting, leading to lost ideas, energy, and increased stress.
• Nearly a third of meetings are unnecessary, wasting millions of dollars and valuable time.

The Different Types of Bad Meetings

• Never-ending meetings, pointless meetings, and meetings where leaders dominate the conversation are all examples of bad meetings.
• Repetitive meetings that repeat what everyone already knows can lead to groupthink and lack of innovation.
• Bloated meetings occur due to benevolent reasons, laziness, and insecurity, and they hinder productivity.

Improving Meeting Norms

• Changing meeting norms requires conversations about the necessity and goals of meetings.
• Encouraging active participation and preparation through a question-based approach can enhance meeting effectiveness.
• Rotating meeting leadership and including remote attendees can promote inclusivity and diverse perspectives.

Reducing Meeting Bloat

• Individuals can audit their calendars and eliminate unnecessary meetings and attendees to reduce meeting bloat.
• Collective efforts, such as implementing “meeting Doomsday” or designated “no meeting” days, can also combat meeting overload.
• Restructuring meetings by shortening their duration and shifting some updates to asynchronous methods can save time and increase productivity.

Summary

Understanding the Impact of Inefficient Meetings

In a survey of 31,000 people, it was revealed that inefficient meetings were the primary disruptor of productivity. These meetings can be unproductive, exhausting, and lead to lost ideas and increased stress. Additionally, a significant number of meetings are unnecessary, wasting valuable time and resources. To address this issue, it is crucial to identify the different types of bad meetings and their negative consequences.

Improving Meeting Norms for Greater Effectiveness

Changing meeting norms requires open conversations about the necessity and goals of meetings. By encouraging active participation and preparation through a question-based approach, meetings can become more engaging and productive. Rotating meeting leadership and including remote attendees can also promote inclusivity and diverse perspectives. It is essential to challenge the notion of bloated meetings and ensure that only individuals with relevant expertise or authority are present.

Reducing Meeting Bloat for Increased Efficiency

Individuals can take steps to reduce meeting bloat by auditing their calendars and eliminating unnecessary meetings and attendees. Collective efforts, such as implementing “meeting Doomsday” or designated “no meeting” days, can also combat meeting overload on a larger scale. Restructuring meetings by shortening their duration and shifting some updates to asynchronous methods can save time and increase productivity. By adopting these strategies, organizations can create a culture of efficient and purposeful meetings.

Conclusion

Inefficient meetings have a significant impact on productivity and well-being. By understanding the different types of bad meetings and implementing evidence-based solutions, organizations can transform meetings into valuable and engaging experiences. Reducing meeting bloat and fostering inclusivity are key steps towards creating a more efficient and enjoyable work environment.