To continue with our posts and podcasts on meeting excellence, I want to challenge you to “stand up” every now and then.
Literally.
Yes, we are on our butts all day long, some physical therapists are saying that sitting is our new disease — so why not stand?
In my corporate life, I remember some of the best, shortest, most effective meetings were those where we stood around a credenza, low file cabinet, or snack table (yesss – munch munch!) We brainstormed and resolved the current issue quickly. It was kinda a “one issue meeting.”
These obviously work especially well if the stakeholders are close by. Not right for every collaboration, but just something to consider. Why?
- The meeting will take less time, guaranteed.
- People will be focused (not looking at PDA, doodling, or otherwise disengaged)
- Not wanting to stay too long, people will be more succinct.
- Standing is better than sitting anyway!
One of the managers I’ve observed actually called them “water cooler meetings” because they met near the water fountain–and his team liked, appreciated and respected the “quickies” that kept things moving.
Just another thought to put into your “awesome meeting” arsenal.
