Admit It, You Prefer Meetings To Actual Work
Posted on Mar 13, 2008 under Business |I’ve read a lot of articles, many of which are announcing the new results of some study, but none have hit the nail on the head quite like this one I read most recently over on Yahoo. It’s basically calling people out. Even though you may say you detest them, you secretly like meetings.
Ever since I started working this is something that I’ve noticed. I’ve always wondered why people would complain about having to go to meetings, yet they continually either set them up themselves or make sure they’re invited. I think some of the quotes from the article say things best:
- “The disparity between public distaste toward meetings and private affection is likely due to the stigma attached to admitting you like them. It’s declaring yourself either a show-off or a sheep—and definitely a time-waster.”
- “Just talking about a meeting—even if it’s a gripe—signals you rated an invitation in the first place. It’s “another way to show how important you are,” says Karen Tracy, a professor of communication at the University of Colorado, Boulder.”
- “Meetings are held because, while people detest them, they hate actually working more.”
I don’t think that this sort of thing applies to everyone, but it’s pretty prevalent in my opinion. I would actually recommend reading the entire article. This is one study that actually hits the mark.
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by No Debt Plan, on March 13 2008 @ 12:40 pm
I, for one, cannot stand unproductive meetings. I’d love to sit down with my coworkers and actually get something done. All the stories, chit-chat, and other garbage can go. So secretly I guess you could say I like meetings. But only good ones.
by fiscalmusings, on March 13 2008 @ 10:21 pm
That’s a great perspective. I’m sure there are a lot of others who feel the same way. But I’m sure those people are out there who just want the jelly donut…
by Fiscal Musings Discusses the Secret Love of Meetings « The Bald Monkey, on March 13 2008 @ 10:59 pm
[…] Admit it, you prefer meetings to actual work. […]
by The Bald Monkey, on March 13 2008 @ 11:00 pm
Beverages!!!
by creasy_bear, on March 14 2008 @ 12:04 am
my entire perspective on meetings changed after realizing this. i could never understand why so many unproductive meetings were held, and then suddenly it all became clear.
i think you’re right, this does apply to most people. i agree with “no debt plan” guy; if the meeting is productive then i have no problem with it, and in fact will usually enjoy it. but when it’s just a bunch of nonsense and clearly people are just trying to get away from their desk and not do real work, that’s just lame. me personally, i’d rather play minesweeper or just casually talk to a coworker in the hall than sit around in a dumb meeting. they’re just too frustrating.
by fiscalmusings, on March 14 2008 @ 7:28 am
I will admit, I do enjoy the beverages.
by Richard Saling, on March 23 2008 @ 3:38 am
Ahhh, when there are snacks and beverages, I’m in! Sometimes I think about crashing other meetings much like a wedding crasher just for the “goodies” Now that would be a funny episode… Seriously though as long as they are productive, they’re great. If your busy and deadlines matter, don’t waste my time with nonsense. When you hold meetings for the sake of a meeting and nothing ever gets done; well, that is where all of this originated isn’t it.