Ugh, online meetings: they promised us a convenience in our schedule, freeing up our travel time, but often end up feeling more like yet another hour or two wasted! So, what gives? Why do so many virtual Zoom or Teams meetings feel about as engaging as watching paint dry in slow motion? I want to talk (vent) about the not-so-obvious reasons why many online meetings miss the mark on saving time and increasing efficiency and explore some easy fixes.
Tech Troubles
Ever been in an online meeting that felt like a bad game of telephone? Literally, just an hour ago, I was on an executive coaching meeting with a CEO and my sound dropped out! “Hi, can you hear me? How about now?” I know I’m not alone! We solved the problem after trying to reconnect by using the sound off our cell phone, while still using the camera function on Zoom. While online meeting technology promises to connect us, it can just as often be the wedge that drives us apart—digitally speaking. Poor connections, incompatible software, or updates, and the infamous “You’re on mute!” moments disrupt the flow and frustrate everyone. And let’s not forget the lost nuances of face-to-face interaction and being able to decipher facial expressions and body language; so much of what we communicate is non-verbal, and without those cues, misunderstandings can escalate.
The Multitasking Trap
Guilty as charged! Here’s one scene: You’re in a virtual meeting, half-listening while you covertly manage your overflowing email inbox. Sometimes I even go as far as holding a pen in my hand, so when I am looking down on my phone, when I look back up, it appears as if I am taking notes. Sound familiar? Many of us fall into the multitasking trap, thinking we can do it all, but science disagrees. Multitasking during meetings often means nothing gets the attention it deserves, and everything discussed becomes as memorable as the last series you binge-watched. The result? Longer meetings, less productivity, and more follow-ups just to clarify what was (or wasn’t) decided.
Drawing the Line
When your home is your office, like mine is, and your office is online, where do you draw the line? This shift to virtual meetings has blurred the boundaries between “at work” and “at home” to the point where we’re expected to be available around the clock. This ‘always-on’ mentality doesn’t just eat into our personal time; it makes each before or after-hours meeting feel like an intrusion, turning what could be a productive session into just another time slot filled on our overly crowded digital calendars.
Lost in Translation
Ever noticed how people naturally tune into the room’s dynamics during in-person meetings? There’s a rhythm, an ebb and flow of energy with in-person meetings that just doesn’t translate well across the Internet. Without a clear agenda, online meetings can quickly turn chaotic or, conversely, become so rigid that they stifle any real conversation. The challenge isn’t just to replicate the in-person experience online but to innovate ways to make digital meetings effective and engaging in their own right. To tackle this, why not mix it up with some cool tech tools like emoji reaction requests to increase engagement and other fun practices that keep everyone tuned in and maybe even a little excited?
Making Online Meetings Less Terrible
Is this even possible? Here’s the truth: Online meetings don’t have to be awful. A little creativity and some strategic tweaks can go a long way. Clear agendas sent out before meetings can keep everyone on track. Tools like polls, breakout rooms, and interactive Q&A sessions can turn passive listeners into active participants. And hey, maybe not every single thing needs a meeting; please just send it in an email! By reducing the frequency of meetings, it can help make the ones we have to have feel more important and purposeful.
From Stink to Sync
Yes, online meetings have their challenges, but with thoughtful changes, they can become more than just bearable, they can be genuinely productive and enjoyable. By addressing the tech gremlins, resisting the all to often call of multitasking, respecting personal boundaries, and rethinking how we structure digital meetings, we can turn those tedious, soul-sucking sessions into opportunities for real collaboration. Let’s not settle for meetings that merely happen; let’s design meetings that actually work!
What is your experience with ineffective meetings? Are you over them too? Did I miss anything in this article? If so, let me know. Please share this article with anyone you think might like to learn more about this topic. Find me on social and let’s keep this conversation going!
#virtual meetings #increaseefficiency #workplacelife