For many leaders the unfortunate, aggravating answer is simple – meetings. There are good reasons and bad reasons to go to meetings.
Good – I need to participate in a decision that will impact me, my team and our ability to get good results.
Bad -To discuss for the 4th time an issue about which no action will be taken.
Good – To learn
Bad – Because I was invited.
Good – I can contribute facts, perspective or unique value that is important to the business or my colleagues
Bad – To listen to a pedantic presentation of data or opinion that I have heard before.
…and the list goes on and on.
Think about it this weekend while you are giving up personal time to do the work that could have been done during the time wasted in meetings. What are you going to do differently next week?
We are leaders and when something is going on that is not good for the business or the people in the business we either Cause it, Participate in it, or Allow it. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.