HBR IdeaCast Why Meetings Go Wrong (And How to Fix Them)
Nov 5, 2019
Steven Rogelberg, a professor at UNC Charlotte and author of 'The Surprising Science of Meetings,' shares insights from his extensive research on workplace meetings. He reveals that many meetings are unproductive due to a lack of training for leaders. Strategies discussed include welcoming attendees like guests and banning mute on calls. Rogelberg advocates for clear goals, engaging formats, and innovative practices like appointing a Chief Meeting Officer, ultimately transforming how organizations conduct meetings to enhance effectiveness and positivity.
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Lack of Training and Feedback
- Only 20% of leaders receive meeting training, and existing training is often superficial.
- Most organizations lack feedback mechanisms for meetings, hindering improvement and accountability.
Common Meeting Mistakes
- Avoid having too many attendees, excessively long durations, and poor starts.
- Experiment with different meeting formats and ensure a clear purpose and conclusion.
Leader Blind Spot
- Meeting leaders often overestimate meeting effectiveness due to their own vocal participation.
- This creates a blind spot, hindering their ability to perceive meeting quality accurately.
