Published by JPLand on 25 Jan 2009 at 08:56 pm
Let’s Get Together, yeah-yeah-yeah
As my previous post indicated, I was in training all last week. I maintained e-mail access, so I was able to stay in touch on a few issues that came up. By Wednesday of last week, my workload for this Monday was overflowing with plenty of catch-up work. By Friday afternoon, I realized that most of that work would not get done. Why? Meetings.
On my calendar, I already have six (6!) meetings scheduled for tomorrow. SIX! This is crazy stuff. The rest of the week isn’t as bad, but I still have more to attend. Not to mention, all of the catch-up work that needs to be done.
I’ve come to the conclusion that corporate America has an addiction to meetings. I’m trying to work-out a system to help solve the problem, but I can’t figure out how to discuss the problem like other groups do because that would require…..a meeting.
Rainer on 26 Jan 2009 at 8:25 am #
I’ve been dying to hear of someone trying this out. Since I kicked the corporate habit I can’t try it myself.
“The Four Hour Work Week” has a chapter or two with instructions on how to get rid of meetings. His point is that they are annoying and counter-productive, too long and intrusive, and like you said, often require meetings to plan the meetings! It shows you step by step how to “train” your boss to avoid needing you in meetings, and if you are the boss how to avoid them altogether (or make them really, really short and usually over the phone).
The book has examples of people like engineers changing their jobs to work entirely from home for just a few hours a day, and boosting productivity at the same time.
I just wish someone would start teaching the book’s ideas in college…before we waste years in meetings!