Modern Mentor Motion versus meaning: Build operating rhythms that work
Feb 3, 2026
They explore how to stop meetings from becoming meaningless motion and design rhythms that protect deep work. Practical rituals for prioritizing requests help prevent overload and burnout. The conversation covers safe, judgment-free check-ins for surfacing risks and routine workflow reviews to sort ownership and handoffs. Quick lessons-capture practices for fresh learning are highlighted.
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Fitting Room Memory Frames Meeting Waste
- Rachel Cooke recounts dressing-room lines where stores counted items going in but not coming out as wasted motion.
- She uses this childhood memory to illustrate how organizations hold meetings that create motion without meaning.
Rhythms Over Meeting Cuts
- Rachel Cooke argues the goal isn't simply fewer meetings but better operating rhythms.
- Well-designed rhythms create space for meaningful work instead of filling calendars with motion.
Force Priority Trade-Offs Regularly
- Create a regular forum that forces leaders to compare and trade off priorities openly.
- Use that space so leaders intentionally spread resources instead of continually adding tasks.