The 15-minute meeting concept has been floating around and gaining momentum in recent months. It is appealing to have shorter meetings. It should result in fewer meetings, more efficient and streamlined conversations and more time back during the day. However, super-fast meetings might not be as efficient for a schedule as we think. Don’t expect them to produce .the best results. There are risks associated with their increasing popularity.
From decreasing team camaraderie to damaging creative collaboration, here are three potential implications to consider before adopting the 15-minute meeting policy for your business.
1. Disconnects staff
Less time means less opportunity for the pre-meeting personal banter. small talk in business is essential. Less small talk leads to less team camaraderie. These conversations can seem insignificant, but there is a lot to be learned from them. It is what allows us to get to know our bosses, colleagues, and staff on an individual level. It’s in these short periods of time that people can share random thoughts and tidbits. This is how we learn to get to know one another and make connections that are crucial to workplace satisfaction and reduce employee turnover.
2. Increases pressure
When there’s not a lot of time, there’s not a lot of space for the free flow of thoughts, ideas, and questions. Instead, the important topics are only discussed. The less important, but still crucial questions, are left in the background. Although a meeting doesn’t necessarily imply more pressure it can give the impression there isn’t enough time to answer silly questions. It can also cause brainstorming to be reeled back, as there needs to be time to entertain the ideas of others and build off that–something that doesn’t usually happen in a 15-minute slot.
3. Yields more meetings
There are a number of side effects that come along with short meetings. This means that more meetings will take up more time and are more likely not to be completed on time. In contrast, the 30- or 60-minute meeting is more likely to end early, giving staff the space to recoup and refo