Mastering Meeting Hygiene
Making Every Meeting Matter
Meetings can be the most productive part of the day, or the biggest waste of time. Good meeting hygiene ensures it’s the former.
The “No Agenda, No Attenda” Rule
This is a popular phrase for a reason. If a meeting doesn’t have a clear agenda sent in advance, it’s very likely to be unproductive. An agenda sets expectations and allows people to prepare, respecting everyone’s time.
Every Meeting Needs a Clear Desired Outcome
What is the purpose of this meeting? What decision needs to be made, or what information needs to be shared? A clear desired outcome focuses the conversation. If the purpose of a meeting is just “to discuss” something, it’s a sign that it might not be well-planned.
Challenging Vague Meetings Politely
As a Yellow Belt, you have the right to protect your time. If you get a meeting invite without a clear agenda or outcome, it is perfectly acceptable and professional to reply to the organizer and ask for more detail. A simple question like, “This sounds great, could you share the main goals for this meeting so I can prepare?” is a constructive way to improve meeting culture.
