…. said no one. Ever.
Meetings, meetings, meetings… does it sometimes feel like all you ever do at work is spend your time in meetings?!
If you do, then it would be no surprise if this is a major cause of frustration at work. According to a recent HBR article:
…managers in one survey reported 83% of the meetings on their calendars were unproductive…
And ….
US-based professionals rated meetings as the “number one office productivity killer.”
If you can relate and have some sway in how meetings are planned and run then read on for 4 handy tips (along with insight on how they benefit each Service Animal style) so that your meetings are so much MORE… more productive, more effective, more impactful and more engaging!
- A productive meeting needs a clear purpose and expected outcomes. There are only so many hours in the day, so if you need a meeting — for everyone’s sake— make sure you communicate the purpose of the meeting and clearly defined outcomes. Put them in the invite and anchor the meeting right from the start by reminding everyone of them. Time spent in meetings absolutely needs to feel worthwhile and that it’ll have a positive impact for all.
How the different animal styles benefit:
As Panthers tend to be task and results focused — they will show up more engaged and participative, knowing that there is a clear purpose and expected outcomes. Owls and Dolphins will most certainly appreciate knowing having this information in advance so they can feel more prepared. Peacocks will be able to focus their energy more on tasks and work – as needed.
- The meeting ideally should include some opportunity for input, so everyone feels they can contribute (even if just via a chat function) and put their points across. It will enable everyone to feel valued, motivated, and energised.
How the different animal styles benefit:
Peacocks will relish the opportunity to share their ideas and creative thinking. Panthers will love the potential this provides for finding solutions, to drive forward change and improvement. Dolphins will very much enjoy the opportunity to feel involved, share and hear from others. Owls will appreciate being able to share their expertise and provide their analytical perspective.
- Include some time for social chat; a few minutes either at the beginning or at the end of the meeting. It will help the team to feel more connected and will make a positive difference for newly formed teams, new team members and for remotely hybrid teams. The opportunity for connection isn’t always prioritised at work and meetings can easily provide this opportunity if we build in a bit of extra time. Studies show that if people feel more connected to their teams and colleagues they will feel happier at work, and more inclined to reach out if they need help or support.
How the different animal styles benefit:
Dolphins will particularly appreciate time to connect and get to know their colleagues, as they tend to be more relationship focused. Peacocks will feel energised and stimulated by the opportunity to chat and enjoy bonding with team members. Panthers and Owls will benefit from this dedicated time to dial down on task and develop and strengthen relationships with their colleagues too.
- And lastly, make sure you have an agenda planned. Communicate it ahead of the meeting to help manage participant’s expectations — it will help everyone know what needs to be covered. Make it prioritised and aligned to the purpose and outcomes. Again, make sure it is referred to at the start and during the meeting. It will help everyone to feel focused and more productive.
How the different animal styles benefit:
As we know — Owls and Dolphins particularly like to know what to expect, to plan and feel prepared in advance. Panthers — like Owls — appreciate structure and good organisation. Peacocks — and Dolphins — will definitely benefit from an agenda to help them avoid going off-topic and keep on track.