Meetings often get a bad rap for being a waste of time, but it’s important to remember how crucial communication is. It’s key to understanding goals, processes, and progress in any human relationship. Think about it: we don’t see social gatherings, like birthday parties, coffee catch-ups, or celebrations for new achievements, as pointless. These are all forms of meetings that bring us joy and connection.
The real issue isn’t with meetings themselves, but how they’re conducted. Effective meetings have a clear purpose, add value, and lead to meaningful outcomes. They should leave us feeling rewarded, clear about our goals, and committed to our tasks. Meeting and talking with others is part of what makes us human. If meetings feel unproductive, it’s a sign something needs to change. Done right, they can be enriching and help us stay aligned with our priorities.