Modern leaders understand traditional ways of meeting and tools we have always used have a place, but they are no longer the default for many workplaces. More important is finding ways to ensure everyone is on the same page rather than talking at the same time.
Modern leaders know they need to quit trying to outsmart time zones and embrace working asynchronously and autonomously. This means you will frequently be required to think about whether something like a meeting needs to be in person, held online or managed asynchronously. These questions might assist in your decision-making -
• Do you actually need the meeting at all? If the purpose is simply to provide an update or listen primarily to one person speaking, are you simply following old habits by holding a meeting in the first place?
• Is the goal of the meeting based around building relationships or focusing on a task? If it is an update on a task, can it be done virtually? Asynchronously? If the goal of the meeting is relationship building or repairing connections, an in-person meeting may be beneficial.
• How nuanced are the objectives of the meeting in terms of emotional complexity or interdependence of certain decisions or outcomes? This may require an in-person meeting to be held.
• Can the meeting take an entirely different form? Would an announcement to the entire company be more effective with a pre-recorded video people can watch in their own time with an option for Q&A by a dedicated chat channel?
• What type of meeting is likely to be the most inclusive? Will the format chosen mean the most people can attend and receive a similar experience?
• If you are having a hybrid meeting, does the chair or facilitator of the meeting have the skills to make sure people attending virtually have the same experience as those in the room?
I interviewed Chris Dyer in a recent podcast episode and he told me about cockroach meetings and tiger team meetings. He talks more about them in his book. Fascinating!!