I’ll admit it … I just got really irritated at my phone. I was sitting in a waiting room, for all of two minutes, and my phone was loading the web browser really slowly. It must have taken 15 seconds or so for the browser to come up from the moment I tapped on the icon on my home screen. 15 seconds….someone’s head needs to roll!! I mean, what else am I going to do while waiting in a waiting room?

Admit it…haven’t you felt the same way when your phone isn’t connecting as quickly as you’d like it to, or as quickly as you’re used to? I love it when I see people holding up their phones like the Statue of Liberty’s torch trying to get the 4GLTE light to appear.

DIAL-UP

Here’s the funny part about this … if you’re like me, you’re first experience with the Internet was with that wonderfully ancient tool known as “DIAL UP.” I remember the first time I heard that electronic screeching (I don’t know how else to describe it) sound coming from my computer; and then waiting about five minutes before the first semblance of a webpage began to appear. And, it was GLORIOUS!

Yes, it took minutes for things to load, and if you tried downloading a song or something, you needed to make some coffee and get comfortable because it was going to take a while. But it didn’t matter because you were connected. Who cares how long it takes?

HIGH-SPEED

And now, I get upset when my phone (that I am holding in my hand and can access the Internet from anywhere) doesn’t load up a webpage in less than a blink of an eye. Why do I get upset? It’s because I am spoiled with the access and speed of technology that is available to me. Everything is quicker, shorter, up to the minute, get to the point, communicate in 140 characters and on and on.

So why do so many people insist on still having long, drawn out meetings when they don’t need to? Many people do not like long meetings; feel that most of them are unnecessary and that there are better ways to get information out. Actually, I should probably clarify…some people do like long meetings, specifically because it means they don’t need to work. (Think about that!)

DIAL UP versus 4G MEETINGS

With the generational shift occurring in the workforce, with the Millennials never really knowing anything but high speed everything, and with the older generations adopting technology and changing how we communicate as well, it’s crucial that your means of communicating in meetings is “4GLTE” as opposed to “Dial-Up."

There are many resources online on what makes a great meeting, but I’ll focus on a few things here…

• Ask, "Do we really need a meeting?"
• Keep the agenda limited and targeted.
• What is the purpose of the meeting? Is it to inform or to get input?
• Keep people on topic. Side conversations and tangents have a way of extending meetings! Have someone in the group write down questions that should be taken “offline” to keep everything on track. And, keep an eye on those folks who ask "questions" that are really more about, "Hey look what I do!" 
• Use technology to elicit feedback before the meeting. Why not email, or IM, or Tweet some of the topics in advance to the folks in the meeting so they’re better prepared.
• Set a timer! When it rings, the meeting is done.  

I know that many people love meetings for the camaraderie and to connect with other co-workers---but if your meetings are more time-effective, you may be able to carve out more time for your people to connect in ways that are more meaningful and relevant than in a meeting!