Science Suggests Bosses Should Talk Less in Meetings for Better Productivity
New research indicates that for more effective meetings, leaders should talk less and listen more, while also reducing aimless gatherings.
Around 1 billion meetings take place globally each day, with CEOs spending nearly three-quarters of their workdays in them. A growing field called 'meeting science' is now offering significant insights into improving the effectiveness of these gatherings.
Research by organizational psychologist Liana Kreamer from the Florida Institute of Technology and her colleagues emphasizes that meetings should have a clear goal and structure, rather than just being a get-together. Studies in this area also provide valuable insights into human behavior.
Highlights
- Leaders who talk less and listen more in meetings enhance team performance.
- Active listening, which involves providing thoughtful feedback beyond passive acknowledgment, is crucial, especially in virtual settings.
- Pre-meeting socialization helps all participants, particularly introverts, contribute more actively.
- Techniques like silent brainstorming encourage all attendees to engage in idea generation.
- Aimless and recurring meetings reduce employee productivity and lead to fatigue.
Details
Nale Lehmann-Willenbrock, an industrial and organizational psychologist at the University of Hamburg, found that leaders asking respectful and attentive questions strengthens team interaction. She notes that leaders often talk the most, which can lead them to perceive their meetings as more successful than participants might. Kreamer stresses that leaders should monitor their speaking time to ensure diverse voices are heard.
Before a meeting, crucial steps for success include selecting the right environment, setting an agenda, and establishing clear goals. Additionally, practices like minimizing distractions, documenting instructions, and creating regular check-ins can benefit all employees, especially those who are neurodiverse (e.g., with ADHD).
Why it matters
While meetings are an indispensable part of professional life, they can often be unproductive and waste employees' time. This research provides concrete strategies to make meetings more effective and inclusive, potentially boosting both employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency. Reducing aimless meetings and implementing well-managed ones offer significant implications for the business world.