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Are meetings common for most businesses in your country?
Yes, I'd say they're ubiquitous! No matter how big or small they are, seems everybody attends meetings.
They're seen as a key way to share information, align work processes, and solve problems together. Different types of businesses might have meetings for different reasons, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a company that doesn't hold them regularly.
Most of my peers, doesn't matter if they work in a large or small company, often mention they spend a few hours a week in meetings. From what I can tell, it's something anybody who works in an office will experience at least once a week, but I also know that even in factories, workers will also have meetings probably once a week, too.
So I reckon meetings are a standard part of how most businesses operate. They're just seen as a necessary way to keep everyone on the same page.
Are meetings a waste of time?
It's a funny question because I know most people, including myself, often think or say that, but honestly, at the end of the day, I think meetings are an important way to keep teams aligned with the overall direction of a project or a company.
I think the point is whether the meeting manager, the chairperson of the meeting, is organized or not. If they aren't organized or if the meeting is lacking a firm agenda, then it tends to be a waste of time. However, if the meeting has a clear theme, the chairperson is in control, and no one wastes time pontificating, then they can be useful.
For example, I've heard colleagues complain about "update meetings" where everyone just lists what they did that week—no one asks questions, no problems get solved, and it could've been summed up in an email. These meetings definitely feel like a waste of time. But then there are meetings that actually move things forward: like a project kickoff meeting where everyone agrees on what needs to be done, who's in charge, and when the deadlines are set for.
So meetings aren't inherently a waste, they're only a waste if they're poorly planned. When they have a clear point and stay focused, they're actually a good way to get things done.
How could meetings be made more efficient?
It's a good question! This is something many employees talk about actually.
I think the main suggestion is that goals are set clearly so everyone knows why they're there, additionally, managing time so the meeting doesn't drag on, and finally making sure everyone leaves knowing what to do next.
For example, first, the chairperson should set a clear agenda before the meeting and send it to everyone. Then, the chairperson should effectively lead the meeting and keep track of time, and if a topic starts to veer off topic, they can say, "Let's discuss this more later" so the meeting doesn't fall behind schedule. And at the end, I also think there should be a sum up of the key decisions and assign next steps.
It's really about being intentional...small things like an agenda, a timekeeper, and clear next steps can turn a messy, slow meeting into an efficient one.
How has technology changed the way people hold meetings?
I think mostly by making them more flexible and saving time, especially for teams that aren't in the same place.
Before, most meetings had to be in person, which meant traveling or scheduling around everyone's location. Now, technology lets people meet from anywhere, and it also makes sharing information during meetings easier.
Using tools like Zoom mean teams in different locations can meet without anyone traveling. Technology also lets people share screens during meetings, so if someone's talking about a report or a design, they can show it to everyone right away.
Overall, technology has made meetings more convenient and less time-consuming. It’s not that in-person meetings are gone, but now people have more options, and that makes it easier to collaborate, no matter where everyone is.
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