Management Tip of the Day: Stop Going to So Many Meetings

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 16, 2013 Stop Going to So Many Meetings How can you get any work done when you're in meetings all day? You can't. But instead of griping, be more discerning about which meetings you go to. Before saying yes to invitation, ask yourself, "If I was sick on the day of this meeting, would it need to be rescheduled?" If you answer "no," then decline the meeting and try one of these less time-intensive alternatives: Get an agenda. Ask to look at the agenda ahead of time so you can pass on your comments to the meeting organizer to share on your behalf. (Bonus: This may force him to actually make an agenda!) Delegate. Send someone else from your group to communicate your team's perspective. Ask for notes. If someone is going to share important information but you'll just be listening, request a copy of the meeting notes after the fact. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Break Your Addiction to Meetings" by Elizabeth Grace Saunders. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter Transitions are critical times for leaders at all levels. Missteps made during the crucial first three months in a new role can jeopardize your success. In this updated and expanded version of the international bestseller, Michael D. Watkins offers proven strategies for conquering the challenges of transitions — no matter where you are in your career. Watkins, a noted expert on leadership transitions, also addresses today's increasingly demanding professional landscape, where managers face not only more frequent changes but also steeper expectations once they step into their new jobs. Whether you're starting a new job, being promoted from within, or embarking on an overseas assignment,how you manage your transition will determine whether you succeed or fail. Use this book as your trusted guide. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Job Seekers: Focus on Achievements Use Your Crowd to Source Ideas Go After High-Quality Revenue The Right Way to Voice Your Complaint Improve Your Ability to Anticipate Crises Set an Email Quota and Stick to It Don't Listen to Customers — Observe Them Set the Right Tone for Your Talk Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)