Boring Meetings Suck: Get More Out of Your Meetings, or Get Out of More Meetings

Déjà Meetings Suck

Ever had the feeling you've been in this meeting before? Oh my gosh, you have, and too many times.

You're in a meeting—same people, same room, even the same dang report as last week. You've been driven to create a spreadsheet that has Las Vegas–style odds, whereby members can gamble real dollars if Steady Steve reports anything new (always bet against it), or if Repeat Rhonda asks the same questions as last time, or if Missed-It Michael asks outright, “What happened in the last meeting I missed?”

As an attendee, why do you stand for the déjà meeting syndrome? Complacency, perhaps? Feel you don't have the ability to do anything about it? Because your boss is holding the meeting and you're better off to grin and bear it?

If you've actively presented in past meetings and always come prepared, you have rights! Those rights allow you to speak up for this continued massive abuse of time—yours and your coworkers'—especially with all the real work you have on your plate.

If there ever was a time for mutiny, this is it. That's right. Power to the people! Someone must say something about boring déjà meetings. Hey, after all, it's the Bore No More! movement, right?

As a facilitator or chairperson or attendee, how can you possibly allow yet another déjà meeting? Does it require standing up to your arch nemesis, or possibly creating some hardship? Does it take too much time preparing something new for the next meeting?

If you want to show lack of respect for your fellow attendees' ...