Timeless

thoughts on meetings and getting stuff done

How many times have you sat in a meeting and wondered why in the hell you were there? How many times have you showed up to a meeting and had no idea what it was about? The internet is full of ideas on what makes meetings bad, and why they’re unnecessary - but far fewer suggestions on when meetings are necessary, and how they can be effective.

Communication

For what it’s worth, my Meyers Briggs Type Indicator says that I (INTP) really hate inefficiency. While MBTI is horoscope-y on some things, it’s spot on with this evaluation. I hate wasting time (and other people’s time). According to the internet, meetings are a horrible waste of time. Yet - my calendar is filled with meetings - so there’s either a paradox to unravel, or the internet is lying to me. Perhaps both.

I have a model I sometimes share on communication. I’ve drawn it on whiteboards (and in digital whiteboards), but in print, it’s something like this.

• Information Sharing, calendar requests - email

• Questions and Discussion - chat