Meetings Are Killing Productivity: Experts Reveal Strategies to Break the Cycle of Meeting Hangovers
A growing concern among business leaders is the phenomenon known as "meeting hangovers," where team members leave meetings feeling drained and unproductive due to poorly managed discussions. According to certified inclusion strategist Vivian Acquah, meeting hangovers can be caused by factors such as poor facilitation, unresolved tensions, and unclear goals.
Acquah, founder of Amplify DEI, a company that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, has identified the need for effective meeting management strategies. "Leaders must handle the complex interpersonal situations that emerge when working with people," she said. "The speed and continuous change of our present work environment make this task extremely challenging."
Meetings can have a hidden cost, with team members often leaving feeling unproductive and demotivated. A recent study found that employees spend an average of 23 hours per week in meetings, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. According to Acquah, meeting hangovers can be caused by poor facilitation, unresolved tensions, and unclear goals.
To break the cycle of meeting hangovers, leaders must learn effective meeting management strategies that promote ownership, accountability, and clear communication. "Leaders must empower their teams to achieve high performance," said Acquah. "This involves planning effectively and handling complex interpersonal situations."
Acquah recommends several strategies for managing meetings effectively. These include setting clear goals and expectations, encouraging active participation from all team members, and avoiding unnecessary discussions that can derail the meeting's purpose.
In addition to these strategies, leaders must also prioritize clear communication and transparency throughout the meeting process. This involves providing regular updates on progress, addressing concerns and questions in a timely manner, and ensuring that all team members are held accountable for their actions.
While some may view meetings as an essential part of business operations, experts like Acquah argue that they can be a significant drain on productivity if not managed effectively. By implementing strategies to promote ownership, accountability, and clear communication, leaders can break the cycle of meeting hangovers and create more productive and motivated teams.
As the modern work environment continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, business leaders must adapt their approach to meeting management. By prioritizing effective communication, transparency, and team empowerment, they can create a more productive and efficient workplace that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
In conclusion, meeting hangovers are a real concern for businesses today, but with the right strategies in place, leaders can break this cycle and create more productive teams. As Acquah noted, "Leaders must handle the complex interpersonal situations that emerge when working with people." By doing so, they can unlock their team's full potential and drive business success.
Sources:
Vivian Acquah, certified inclusion strategist and founder of Amplify DEI
The Next Web: Startup wisdom: How to break the cycle of meeting hangovers
The Next Web: Meetings Are Killing Your Productivity: How to Break the Cycle of Meeting Hangovers
This story was compiled from reports by The Next Web and The Next Web.
