One of the things that frankly drives me crazy about how people think about continuous improvement is a focus on cost savings rather than increasing productivity and engagement< so I was excited to chat with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler about a brilliant method to increase productivity, drive engagement and save money. They joined me to talk about their new book. “How to Make Meetings Not Suck” Listen in and consider how their approach might enhance every meeting, from your daily morning huddle to those three-day leadership retreats.
Jonathan Vehar
Jonathan Vehar is on a mission to make meetings better. With years of experience as a leader, executive, and facilitator, he knows what works and what does not. Known as an “innovation thought leader” by Fast Company, Jonathan takes a fresh but productive approach to improving “how teams collaborate”. He has worked with top companies like Disney, Intel, NASA, and Pfizer, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Jonathan is also the co-author of six books on leadership, and his latest book, How to Make Meetings Not Suck, comes out in August 2024.
Cathi Brese Doebler
Cathi Brese Doebler brings over 25 years of experience in meeting facilitation, training, and leadership development. Cathi is passionate about helping others learn and grow. Cathi has been a Senior Consultant and Leadership Solutions Facilitator at the Center for Creative Leadership since 2013 and has worked with organizations like Fiserv and McBride & Lucius. She has also collaborated with several colleges, including the University of Buffalo and Erie Community College, blending her expertise in leadership with education.
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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
- 00:02:43 The importance of having fun at work
- 00:10:55 The purpose of having agendas for meetings
- 00:15:29 The cost of unproductive meetings
- 00:19:50 Calculating the financial cost of meetings
- 00:22:28 Suggestions for running effective meetings
- 00:25:14 The CIDR framework for meeting purposes
- 00:27:14 Differences between in-person and virtual meetings
- 00:32:19 Managing hybrid meetings effectively
- 00:33:14 How to connect with Jonathan and Kathy
- 00:34:02 Advice for young professionals starting their careers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Thoughtful planning and structure are essential for effective meetings, requiring a clear purpose and well-organized processes.
- Ineffective meetings are costly, with an average financial impact of $336,000 in one year.
- Virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings present unique challenges, but we can manage them effectively with the right tools and techniques.
- The elements for successful meetings include a Power Agenda, defined roles, clear purpose (using the CIDR framework), and strong follow-through.
- The “Power Agenda” focuses on unique components like meeting duration, role assignments (e.g., scribe), processes, and desired outcomes to make meetings more efficient.
- The 3 Ps (Purpose, Process, Product) framework helps guide meetings to stay on track, ensuring clarity and respect for the time.
- Respecting time by preparing agendas in advance and assigning clear roles is a simple way to improve meeting effectiveness, countering the excuse of not having time for preparation.
- The CIDR framework (clear purpose, intentional design, defined roles, and respectful interaction) is crucial for making meetings productive and meaningful.
Memorable Quotes:
“Effective meetings don’t just happen — they require thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and respect for everyone’s time.”
CONNECT WITH Jonathan Vehar:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-vehar/
Website: https://vehar.com/
CONNECT WITH Cathi Brese Doebler:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathi-brese-doebler-91884910/
Website: https://ditchthe.com/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/CathiDoebler