Claim back a little of your time

Nothing will start my day off on the wrong foot like opening up my calendar to realize I’ve got a day full of back-to-back-to-back meetings.

It’s like PTSD from the dozens of times I’ve gotten sucked into a meeting when everything could have been handled without a call. Or sessions that drag on endlessly, eating up more and more of the little time I have in the day. And who can forget the meetings that dart from one subject to another without any resolutions or concrete steps to move forward.

Feeling anxious yet? ????

Just like invasive weeds in your garden, meetings — though essential for sealing deals and keeping clients content — can overrun your work day if you don’t put boundaries in place and constantly keep them in check.

Over time I’ve developed (and stolen) a few strategies to combat the worst offenders, and I though I’d share those you today in hopes you can claim back a little of your time…

1. Does this need to be a meeting? It’s frustrating to realize you’re in a “meeting that should have been an email” — but some people just like to hear themselves talk ????. To deter unnecessary calls, I’ve limited my meeting slots to no more than 2 per day (and some days have 0), and every call (save for emergencies) have a two-day booking notice. Not only does this provide me with the space I need in my schedule, but it nudges clients towards asynchronous communication (which will typically solve their issues quicker). If it really needs to be a meeting, then it’s worth waiting for.
2. “I have another call after this”. I can’t remember who I picked this one up from, but it’s been a lifesaver. At the beginning of each call, I’ll let attendees know I have another call scheduled a the conclusion of our meeting. It’s a subtle nudge but it reminds guests that we’ll have to end on time and gives me the perfect segue to wrap things up when we’re approaching the end of the call (without coming off like a jerk).
3. Ask to take control. I’ll admit, the first time I did this felt really awkward… but it worked so well, I fought through it and it’s become my secret weapon for keeping meetings on track. After we exchange pleasantries, I’ll say “Do you mind if I set the agenda for the meeting?”. No one has ever objected, and it gives me the freedom to steer the conversation and keep us on track. By asking to lead (rather than jockeying for position) it becomes more about stewardship than control, which I’ve found to be a great provider-client dynamic.

Now, I won’t pretend those three strategies have magically cured all my meeting woes — but they’ve most certainly helped. And I’ve noticed when meetings go wrong, it’s usually because I’ve let one of those things slip.

Time is such a valuable resource (especially as a business owner, husband, and father) that I’ve decided it’s worth fighting for every second you can get.

What about you? What kind of meeting-hacks or insights have helped you? Hit reply — I’d love to hear them!