Death by Meetings

Meetings seem to be an inevitable part life.  And for the most part, many of us dread them.  In his book, Death by Meeting, author Patrick Lencioni details why meetings are so distasteful for most of us and how to change that—making them actually enjoyable and something people look forward to.  Much like the author shares in the book, I have witnessed both good and bad meetings and believe they can bring about tremendous results or near death experiences.   

So what is missing from meetings that make us as a whole dread them so much?  The author provides the answers and it is simply a combination of a lack of drama and/or a lack of structure. 

Lack of Drama

Most of us have been forced at some time or another to sit through meetings that are incredibly boring.  Often these meetings require us to listen to a lecturer or they are a meeting where input really isn’t allowed whether it is implicitly or explicitly expressed.  Meetings without some level of discussion, debate, and even conflict are boring and rarely bring about any kind of effective results.  Good meetings are not limited to just reporting but include “drama” through open dialogue on important and sometimes even controversial topics.  Drama is a great way to get participants in meetings engaged and interested.  Hence, drama, or a level of varying opinions, conflict, and debate, need to not only be encouraged in meetings but become a mandatory part of them. 

Lack of Structure

Other meetings seem to lack a purpose as participants jump from topic to topic, most of which are irrelevant for the entire group.  Because of a lack of structure and of an understanding of what is to be achieved during the meeting, little is accomplished and most leave feeling as if it was a complete waste of time. I know I have been in these types of meetings on several occasions and this lack of structure and focus make meetings miserable.  Successful meetings on the other hand are those that have a specific purpose or objective rather than randomly talking about anything that comes to mind or having everyone listen to those who have the most to say.

This book also offers a set of 4 specific types of meetings each organization should hold which are a daily check-in, tactical, strategic, and off-site meetings.  The book offers the primary purpose of each meeting, the amount of time they should typically last as well as how often they should be held.      

In the end, I believe this book encourages all organizations to have a strategy when it comes to meetings.  All successful institutions need meetings and collaboration to reach goals.  Learning to have powerful meetings where real work is accomplished and people are engaged and involved can help any organization reach its goals and potential.     

To see how I rated this book click here