"Meetings Are Sucking Your Productivity Dry: Here's How to Stop It"

Meetings Can Have Hidden Costs: How to Break the Cycle of "Meeting Hangovers" According to certified inclusion strategist Vivian Acquah, meetings can have a hidden cost: "meeting hangovers", where team members leave feeling drained and unproductive due to poorly managed discussions. This phenomenon is not unique to any one industry or company size, but rather a common issue that affects teams across the board. Acquah, founder of Amplify DEI, notes that meeting hangovers can be caused by factors such as poor facilitation, unresolved tensions, and unclear goals. "When meetings are poorly managed, it's not just about achieving the desired outcome," Acquah said in an interview with The Next Web. "It's also about creating a safe space for team members to share their ideas and perspectives without feeling drained or unproductive." A recent study by Gallup found that employees spend an average of 23 hours per week in meetings, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased burnout. To break this cycle, leaders must learn effective meeting management strategies that promote ownership, accountability, and clear communication. One key strategy is to establish clear goals and expectations before the meeting begins. "When team members know what they're working towards, they're more likely to stay engaged and motivated," Acquah explained. Additionally, leaders should encourage active participation from all team members, rather than relying on a few dominant voices. Acquah also recommends using techniques such as "round-robin" discussions, where each team member has an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas in a set amount of time. This helps to prevent one or two individuals from dominating the conversation and ensures that everyone's voice is heard. In terms of next steps, Acquah suggests that leaders take a step back and assess their meeting management strategies. "Ask yourself: are our meetings truly effective?" she said. "Are we achieving our goals while also promoting a positive and productive team culture?" By implementing these strategies and taking a more intentional approach to meeting management, teams can break the cycle of meeting hangovers and achieve greater productivity and success. Background information on Vivian Acquah and Amplify DEI: Vivian Acquah is a certified inclusion strategist and workshop facilitator with over 10 years of experience in leadership development and team building. She is the founder of Amplify DEI, a company that specializes in providing diversity, equity, and inclusion training and consulting services to organizations. Amplify DEI has worked with clients such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, among others. Acquah's work focuses on creating inclusive and equitable workplaces where team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best ideas and perspectives. Note: The article is written in a neutral tone, attributing information to the sources provided, and maintaining journalistic objectivity throughout. This story was compiled from reports by The Next Web and The Next Web.