Death by Meetings? - No more!!

#TLDR: Four steps to free up your calendar

Busy calendars are more common that any of us would like to admit! In this age of remote working, how do you rationalize all meetings that show up as anything from 15 minute calls to 4 hour workshops?

Here is our simple 4-step approach that might be helpful.

1. Is your presence needed in the meeting for key decisions?

   1. If not, talk to the organizer and request to be excused. As a compromise, ask if you can provide information via phone or email prior to the meeting.

   2. If yes, proceed to step 2
      

2. Is the frequency of meeting appropriate (i.e. you are meeting too frequently to see any tangible change in data/information)?

   1. If not, request the organizer to reduce the meeting frequency (say, from weekly to bi-weekly, or from monthly to quarterly)

   2. If yes, proceed to step 3
      

3. Is the duration of the meeting appropriate (i.e. is the meeting dragging out than necessary)?

   1. If not, request to reduce the duration of the meeting (e.g. from 1 hour to 45 minutes and then to 30 minutes, or from 30 minutes to 10 minutes)

   2. If yes, proceed to step 4
      

4. Can the meeting be scheduled in specific time zone (say, between 0900-1400, as this will help you to club all meetings in that specific time zone and leave the rest of the day open for you)

   1. If not, leave the meeting as it is

   2. If yes, reschedule the meeting

Our four step approach allows you to rationalize the weekly calendar and free up time that can be spent on non-meeting activities. We would love to hear from you if this approach helps you. Also, what works best for you? Write your comments and views here or email us at info@pbjamplatform.com