4 Ways to Improve Meeting Productivity For Knowledge Workers
Meetings in the workplace could use some improvements.
Meetings are used to share information, which can be challenging for Software Engineers whose work is abstract. This often results in discussions about ideas that lead to zero progress. Abstract ideas may sound great during meetings but often need help remembering and executing. Even adding more people to the group does not improve the situation. It is important to remember that meetings are a communication tool to share information, not execute projects and get things done.
Many people believe that having more meetings equals increased productivity.
If most knowledge workers are in unproductive meetings most of the time, something needs to change. Back-to-back meetings often lead to reactive and urgent work, such as responding to emails and handling client crises. Yet, this reactivity can make people feel productive when not practicing proactive leadership. Saying no to unproductive influences from teammates and clients is crucial to being proactive.
To boost productivity and encourage creativity:
- Avoid over-scheduling meetings.
- Schedule up to half your day for appointments and focus on tasks.
- Start your day with a task, delegate meetings, and shorten meetings to save time.
- Block out time for thinking and set clear boundaries.
