Dreading weekly meetings
Every
Wednesday, seven other managers, VPs and I are required to attend an executive
staff meeting at our company. Our president has been doing these for years to
keep us informed and talk about current projects, new business, problems, sales
trends, etc.
It
sounds productive, but it isn’t. The meetings never start on time, people stroll
in late, cells phones are answered, and there’s too much socializing. When the
meeting finally starts, it’s haphazard at best. Some people monopolize the
conversation and topics; important things are often never discussed.
Sometimes, I feel like standing up and saying, “C’mon, let's get down to
business; we all have work to do.” But I don’t. I know the president thinks
these meetings are worthwhile. If they were better organized, I think they could
be very productive and not just two-hour “bull sessions” or ego builders.
How do
your readers organize their meetings? I need help in getting ours on track.
—
J.T., company withheld