The 3 minute meeting rule

Many smart people agree that a great way to waste time at work is to have a meeting.

Because meetings really should only be for making decisions and clarifying actions (not having discussions).

Problem is, many organizations can’t tell the difference.

Hence, the three minute rule: If it’s going to take you longer than 3 minutes to decide on a solution, it’s a discussion, not a decision.

A discussion is a conversation with two people (not whole departments) in order to reach a decision. Discussions take as long as it need to…but preferably over lunch.

Efficient meetings, on the other hand, make decisions and conclude with uncomplicated action steps for implementation.

Put it on the board and commence.

Quick decisions and concrete action steps. That's it. No hour long talks around the water cooler.