“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!