Too Early > Too Late

And Fewer > More

I grew up in a family where if you were only 15 minutes early you were late (we were also, typically, the last one to leave everything, but that is another post). This family standard became increasingly difficult for me as I got older and realized I was most definitely NOT a morning person. When I got married (to a morning person, by the way), we carried the better to be early manta into our newly formed family (even though it became more difficulty with each successive kid).

In my professional life, I equally hate to be late (especially to meetings). As someone that spends the majority of my day in meetings, there is also a cascading effect when a meeting goes long or starts late. Now, based on some research that I came across from the Journal of Organizational Behavior, I have help quantifying the impact of being late.

The Cost of Late Start Times

The study found that starting a meeting late can reduce its effectiveness by a third, negatively impacting both the quantity and quality of ideas generated. This point is a stark reminder that time management in a corporate setting is not just about respecting schedules but also about maximizing the potential outcomes of collaborative efforts.

Psychological Impacts and Group Dynamics

Another significant insight from the article is the psychological and socio-emotional impact of late starts. These delays lead to a loss of focus and enthusiasm, creating an environment of negative group interactions. This aspect highlights how the start time of a meeting can set the tone for the entire session, influencing the mood and engagement levels of the participants.

The Power of Fewer Meetings

Perhaps the most compelling argument presented is the benefit of reducing the overall number of meetings. By cutting down meetings, not only is the effectiveness of necessary meetings improved, but it also leads to increased productivity, autonomy, and job satisfaction among employees. This point suggests that the culture of frequent meetings, often seen as a hallmark of productivity, might actually be counterproductive.