Meetings often get away badly. No day goes by without an article, a blog about the meaningfulness or meaninglessness of meetings. Call to resistance: ‘Save your precious time!’. Alternatives: No indication.
Meetings are not fundamentally bad; however, it depends on what WE make of it! And not only do I mean agreeing and complying with pre-defined meeting rules (agenda with times, responsibilities, etc., pre-reads, action logs, etc., etc.) but rather clarifying our attitude.
Or think differently: how do you behave when you are invited to friends? Maybe there’s a special occasion, a meal, several other guests. Some know you, others are foreign to you.
Are you waiting for you to be able to tell your little life story as quickly as possible and as undisturbed as possible – and then remain silent or self-satisfied mobile withdrawal? Or do you mix with the other guests, enjoy the exchange, recognize and (appreciate) new points of view. Maybe you are even enriched and/or inspired when you go home.
Meetings live from each participants commitment – not only of the host’s committment! And the more committed, the faster time flies, the more meaningful was the exchange and the more you look forward to the next meeting.