Do We Really Need Another Meeting? The Science of Workplace Meetings.

After examining 200 studies, the researcher identified specific actions that can make meetings more effective.

Before the meeting

  • Be clear on the need for the meeting (is this something that can only be achieved via face-to-face?)

  • Circulate an agenda at least a few days before the meeting

  • Invite the right people (whose expertise and insight is absolutely needed?)

During the meeting

  • Encourage contribution (leaders should not speak first)

  • Make space for humor

  • Redirect complaining

  • Keep discussions focused

  • Leaders should be ready to identify dysfunctional behaviors and intervene to refocus the meeting.

After the meeting

  • Share minutes of actions agreed and decisions made

  • Seek feedback on how people thought the meeting went

  • Look ahead to the next meeting (if it wasn't a one-off)

Research reference: Morz, J.E. et al (2018). Do we really need another meeting? The science of workplace meetings. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 27(6), 484-491.

Read the article here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328399884_Do_We_Really_Need_Another_Meeting_The_Science_of_Workplace_Meetings.

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