The Challenge
In a modern large corporation, the sheer volume of meeting time is often staggering. Data analysis, such as that provided by Microsoft Teams, reveals a clear picture: employees spend a massive portion of their work week in virtual or physical meeting rooms.
Meeting time per se is not bad. In fact, it’s vital for:
- Customer Conversations: Direct exchange with the market.
- Problem Solving: When a small group of experts works together in a targeted way.
- Collaboration: Moving topics forward concretely.
- Social Connection: Personal exchange that holds a team together.
The Problem: Business Theater
However, interviews and surveys within the organization reveal a darker side: a significant portion of meetings is simply “Bullshit”. They often don’t occur to make decisions or solve problems, but follow other patterns:
- Business Theater: Meeting just to show activity or out of pure habit.
- Ambiguity & Politeness: Meetings without a clear agenda, where people are invited or attend out of pure politeness without being able to contribute.
My Approach: Efficiency as a Measure
I dedicate part of my time as a Corporate Developer to reducing this “wasted” time and tangibly increasing productivity. We aim to improve the situation through targeted activities:
1. Transparency & Rules
We establish and communicate transparent meeting rules. The goal is a culture where agendas are mandatory and participation in meetings without clear added value can be questioned or declined.
2. Tools & Methods
By using modern collaboration tools and specific methods, we change the way we come together to achieve results faster and with more focus.
3. Change Management
Real change happens through a shift in mindset. Through accompanying change management, we support the organization in shedding “Business Theater” and refocusing on real, value-creating work.