What's Happening?
Organizational psychologist Steven Rogelberg, a Chancellor's Professor at UNC Charlotte, has proposed a simple yet effective change to improve the productivity of meetings. He suggests that instead of framing
meeting agendas as a list of topics, they should be framed as a set of questions to be answered. This approach encourages meeting organizers to critically assess the necessity of the meeting and ensures that only relevant participants are involved. By focusing on questions, the success of a meeting can be measured by whether these questions are answered, potentially reducing the number of unnecessary meetings. Laura Vanderkam, an author on time management, supports this idea, noting that many meetings occur out of routine rather than necessity, which can waste valuable time.
Why It's Important?
The proposed change in meeting agendas could have significant implications for workplace productivity and efficiency. Meetings are often criticized for being time-consuming and unproductive, detracting from time that could be spent on actual work. By ensuring that meetings are only held when necessary and are focused on specific questions, organizations can enhance decision-making processes and employee engagement. This approach could lead to more efficient use of time and resources, benefiting both employees and employers by fostering a more productive work environment.
What's Next?
If organizations adopt this approach, it could lead to a cultural shift in how meetings are perceived and conducted. Companies might start to see a reduction in the number of meetings, with a focus on quality over quantity. This could also prompt a reevaluation of meeting durations, as the necessity of adhering to traditional time slots like 30 or 60 minutes is questioned. As businesses strive for greater efficiency, this change could be part of broader efforts to optimize workplace practices.
