"Workaholics aren’t heroes. They don’t save the day, they just use it up. The real hero is already home because she figured out a faster way to get things done."
-Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, Rework
Video calls have become a significant part of my life. Probably yours, too. People are quick to admonish them. I’m not in that crowd. They are helpful and add a level of productivity that we never had before. For me, there is no replacement for the energy you feel when sitting with someone. We have to make time for those too.
I was reviewing some of my old notes on running good meetings when I came across this from Seth Godin1. It’s too good not to share.
Toward A Zoom Agreement by Seth Godin
If you promise not to check your email while we’re talking, we promise to not waste your time.
If you agree to look me in the eye and try to absorb the gist of what I’m saying, I agree to be crisp, cogent, and on point.
If you are clear about which meetings are a waste of time for you to attend, we can be sure to have them without you.
If you can egg me on and bring enthusiasm to the interaction, I can lean into the work and reflect back even more energy than you’re contributing.
The purpose of a meeting is not to fill the allocated slot on the Google calendar invite. The purpose is to communicate an idea and the emotions that go with it, and to find out what’s missing via engaged conversation. If we can’t do that, let’s not meet.
Multi-tasking isn’t productive, respectful or healthy.
I’ll add one of my own. People don’t dislike meetings. They dislike having their time wasted.
I hope you’re good.
Take care, Kelly
Seven Meeting Considerations