Meetings Suck by Cameron Herold

Last updated: Sep 22, 2023

Summary of Meetings Suck by Cameron Herold

Meetings Suck by Cameron Herold is a comprehensive guide that aims to transform the way we approach and conduct meetings in the workplace. Herold argues that most meetings are unproductive, time-consuming, and ultimately detrimental to the success of organizations. He provides practical strategies and techniques to make meetings more efficient, engaging, and impactful.

The book begins by highlighting the common problems associated with meetings, such as lack of focus, excessive duration, and disengaged participants. Herold emphasizes the importance of setting clear objectives and creating an agenda for every meeting. He suggests that meetings should be outcome-driven, with a specific purpose and desired results in mind.

Herold introduces the concept of the "Meeting Pulse," a rhythm of regular, shorter meetings that keep teams aligned and accountable. He advocates for daily huddles, weekly tactical meetings, and monthly strategic meetings to ensure effective communication and progress tracking. By implementing this Meeting Pulse, organizations can avoid unnecessary long meetings and instead focus on quick, actionable discussions.

The author also emphasizes the significance of preparation and pre-work before meetings. He suggests sending out materials and information in advance, allowing participants to come prepared and ready to contribute. Herold provides tips on how to structure meetings, including the use of time limits, designated roles, and visual aids to enhance engagement and productivity.

In addition to improving the structure and format of meetings, Herold addresses the importance of fostering a positive meeting culture. He encourages leaders to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and challenging the status quo. By promoting open dialogue and active participation, meetings can become more collaborative and innovative.

Furthermore, the book explores various meeting techniques and tools that can enhance productivity. Herold introduces concepts such as "stand-up meetings," "meeting parking lots," and "meeting scorecards" to streamline discussions, manage distractions, and measure meeting effectiveness. He also provides guidance on how to handle difficult meeting situations, such as dealing with disruptive participants or resolving conflicts.

Overall, Meetings Suck offers a comprehensive roadmap for transforming meetings from time-wasting events to valuable opportunities for collaboration and progress. By implementing the strategies and techniques outlined in the book, organizations can improve communication, increase productivity, and ultimately achieve better results.

1. The importance of setting clear objectives

In "Meetings Suck," Cameron Herold emphasizes the significance of setting clear objectives for every meeting. Without clear objectives, meetings tend to become unproductive and time-consuming. Herold suggests that before scheduling a meeting, it is essential to define the purpose and desired outcomes. This ensures that everyone attending the meeting understands what needs to be achieved and can come prepared with relevant information and ideas.

By setting clear objectives, meetings become more focused and efficient. Participants can stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by unrelated discussions. Additionally, clear objectives help measure the success of the meeting and determine if the desired outcomes were achieved. This insight from the book can be applied by individuals and organizations to improve the effectiveness of their meetings and make better use of everyone's time.

2. The power of timeboxing

Timeboxing is a technique discussed in "Meetings Suck" that involves allocating a specific amount of time for each agenda item or discussion point in a meeting. This technique helps prevent meetings from running over time and ensures that all topics are given equal attention. By setting time limits, participants are encouraged to stay focused and avoid unnecessary tangents.

Timeboxing also promotes efficiency and productivity by creating a sense of urgency. When participants know they have a limited amount of time to discuss a topic, they are more likely to prioritize and communicate their ideas concisely. This technique can be implemented by individuals and teams to make their meetings more structured and time-efficient, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

3. The value of having a designated facilitator

In "Meetings Suck," Herold emphasizes the importance of having a designated facilitator for every meeting. The facilitator's role is to ensure that the meeting stays on track, objectives are met, and everyone's voices are heard. This person is responsible for managing the agenda, keeping discussions focused, and resolving any conflicts that may arise.

Having a designated facilitator helps create a structured and productive meeting environment. It allows participants to fully engage in the discussions without worrying about managing the meeting logistics. This insight from the book can be applied by organizations to improve the effectiveness of their meetings and ensure that valuable time is not wasted due to lack of facilitation.

4. The benefits of standing meetings

"Meetings Suck" introduces the concept of standing meetings, where participants are encouraged to stand instead of sitting during the meeting. This approach promotes active engagement and helps prevent meetings from becoming too comfortable and unproductive. Standing meetings are typically shorter and more focused, as participants are less likely to engage in lengthy discussions or distractions.

Standing meetings also have health benefits, as they encourage movement and reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting. This insight from the book can be applied by individuals and organizations to make their meetings more dynamic and efficient. By implementing standing meetings, participants can experience increased energy levels and improved focus, leading to more productive discussions and outcomes.

5. The importance of follow-up actions

In "Meetings Suck," Herold emphasizes the significance of follow-up actions after every meeting. Without clear follow-up actions, meetings can become meaningless and fail to produce tangible results. Herold suggests that at the end of each meeting, participants should agree on specific actions to be taken, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines.

By implementing follow-up actions, meetings become more purposeful and accountable. Participants are motivated to take action and ensure that the discussed ideas and decisions are implemented. This insight from the book can be applied by individuals and organizations to maximize the value of their meetings and ensure that outcomes are translated into actions.

6. The impact of reducing meeting frequency

"Meetings Suck" highlights the negative consequences of excessive meeting frequency. Herold argues that many meetings are unnecessary and can be replaced with more efficient communication methods, such as email or instant messaging. By reducing meeting frequency, individuals and organizations can free up valuable time and focus on more meaningful work.

This insight from the book encourages individuals and organizations to critically evaluate the necessity of each meeting and explore alternative communication methods. By reducing unnecessary meetings, participants can have more time for focused work, resulting in increased productivity and overall satisfaction.

7. The benefits of smaller meeting sizes

In "Meetings Suck," Herold emphasizes the advantages of smaller meeting sizes. He argues that large meetings tend to be less productive and more prone to distractions and side conversations. By limiting the number of participants, meetings become more focused, and everyone has a chance to actively contribute.

Smaller meeting sizes also promote better engagement and collaboration. Participants feel more comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, leading to more meaningful discussions and better decision-making. This insight from the book can be applied by individuals and organizations to optimize their meeting sizes and create a more productive and inclusive meeting environment.

8. The importance of creating a positive meeting culture

"Meetings Suck" emphasizes the significance of creating a positive meeting culture within an organization. This involves fostering an environment where meetings are seen as valuable and productive, rather than a waste of time. Herold suggests that organizations should encourage open communication, active participation, and respect for everyone's time.

By creating a positive meeting culture, organizations can improve employee engagement and satisfaction. Meetings become opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and decision-making, rather than a source of frustration. This insight from the book can be applied by organizations to transform their meeting culture and make meetings more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved.