Meetings cost companies millions (in productivity losses). Discover how Kairos can revolutionize your organization's approach to meetings.
We've all been there - mind-numbing meetings that drain energy, productivity, and patience. But what if we told you that meetings could be a catalyst for innovation, engagement, and business growth? The secret lies in the science.
With payroll being among the largest expenses on a company's balance sheet and 20-60% of that resource time tied up in meetings, meeting performance becomes a linchpin to organizational health.
Dr. Steven Rogelberg, a leading expert in organizational science, has dedicated his career to unravelling the mysteries of effective meetings. His research has uncovered surprising insights that can transform your team's collaboration game.
Before we get into the science of effective meetings, we should first address one key question: What is Kairos and how can this methodology be applied to meetings within your organization?
What is Kairos?
The term "Kairos" originates from ancient Greek, symbolizing the right or opportune moment. Kairos emphasizes the quality and significance of actions taken at critical moments. In the business world, the Kairos methodology focuses on seizing the perfect moment or 'timeliness', strategically utilizing these crucial opportunities to achieve the best possible results.
The High Cost of Bad Meetings
Let's talk about the impact of ineffective meetings. According to Dr. Steven Rogelberg, bad meetings significantly drain organizational resources, costing companies billions of dollars annually. Dr. Rogelberg's survey from 2022 on The Cost of Unnecessary Meeting Attendance found that a business with 100 employees has the potential to save $2M per year by cutting out unnecessary meetings.
The double-edged sword swings not only in time lost due to wasted resources during the meeting, but further research indicates that there are downstream effects triggered by ongoing lack of employee engagement, employee turnover and an overall culture of low performance manifested across the organization. Meetings stifle creativity, demotivate employees, and hinder decision-making.
"This is why Kairos is the only holistic meeting performance solution that is focused on an organization-wide approach. Uniting teams and functions behind the mutual goal of driving a high-performance culture." Says Kairos General Manager, Kristy Hissa.
The Science of Effective Meetings
So, what does the science say about running successful meetings? Let's break it down:
- Purpose and Clarity: Every meeting should have a clear purpose. People need to understand why they are there and what they are expected to achieve. Dr. Rogelberg emphasizes the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for each meeting.
- Agenda is Key: While it might seem obvious, having a well-structured agenda is crucial. It provides direction, keeps the meeting focused, and respects everyone's time.
- Participation Matters: Effective meetings are about collaboration, not just information sharing. Everyone should have a voice. Encourage open dialogue and active participation.
- Technology with a Purpose: Technology can enhance meetings but shouldn't be a distraction. Use tools strategically to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
Nobody is getting meetings right, yet: Practical Tips for Better Meetings
The simple truth is meetings are a bit of a mess - too many, too long, and not much fun (or very productive). The science says that is because there are a few primary things missing - meaningful training on how to run effective and inclusive meetings and feedback loops to help meeting leaders continuously improve.
4 Tips to Implement Now & Start Having Better Meetings Today
- Start strong: Begin with a brief recap of the meeting’s purpose and goals. If you can’t think of the meeting’s purpose, consider cancelling it and sending a quick message or email to the participants instead.
- Keep it short: Shorter meetings are often more productive. End meetings at the 20 or 50-minute mark.
- End on a high note: Summarize key decisions, action items, and next steps.
- Evaluate & improve: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your meetings and make adjustments as needed. Kairos measures your meeting performance and surfaces key metrics and reporting necessary for you to drive organizational change.
In Summary
By understanding the science behind effective meetings and implementing these practical tips, you can transform your team’s collaboration and productivity. Remember, meetings are an invaluable investment in your team’s success.
“Kairos brought us together as a team and helped us make small changes that created organizational momentum. We can now feel the energy and focus in all of our meetings!” says VP of Operations, Jameson van Dijk at Riva. Take a look at how Riva Eliminated Meeting Fatigue and Burnout after implementing Kairos within their organization.
We're here to make sure that when your employees gather for a meeting, it's time well spent, enjoying good conversations and great collaboration.
