Should this meeting be an email?

In today’s business environment, there’s a growing feeling that we are overwhelmed by meetings. Many people express frustration, claiming that there are simply too many, leading to a loss of productivity. But this week, after a couple of successful meetings, thinking of these complaints, which even I have already made... I got myself wondering: Have meetings lost their value, or have we forgotten their true purpose?

At their core, meetings are meant to be a powerful communication tool. They provide an opportunity for face-to-face interaction, where ideas can be exchanged, problems can be solved, and strategies can be aligned. In an era where digital communication dominates, meetings are one of the few chances we have to connect on a more personal level.

However, there’s a concerning trend. Many of us enter meetings with our minds elsewhere—thinking about our next email, checking the latest updates on social media, or simply wishing we were anywhere but in that room. This distraction not only undermines the purpose of the meeting but also harms the quality of our communication.

Instead of viewing meetings as time-wasters, we should see them as an opportunity to engage, collaborate, and communicate effectively. It’s about being present, both mentally and physically, and using the time to build connections and foster understanding.

So, the next time you step into a meeting, ask yourself: Am I here to truly communicate, or am I just passing the time? If we all approached meetings to listen, contribute, and collaborate, we might just find that they are not the problem—our approach to them is.

While it’s true that too many meetings can be a drain, we should not forget that they serve an essential role in our business lives.

Let’s use them wisely and ensure they remain a vital path for communication.