Dec 18

In the Office: Spending Too Much Time Meeting People

Q. Much of my work involves meeting with people inside and outside my company, which I enjoy but often that time is not productive for me.  I have a hard time saying no because I see it as part of my job which means I am doing the rest of my work at night and on weekends; what can I do?

A. Great question! It’s easy to be distracted by other people’s priorities when you are not clear on your own result.  Owning your result shows respect for your time and the time of others.   At the beginning of each day and/or week be sure to articulate your 2-3 top priorities.  Weigh any meetings against those priorities.  Also, ask anyone who requests an appointment with you “So I can be prepared, what is the result you would like from our time together?”  Remember with every request you have the right to say: yes, no, or renegotiate.  Only meet with people where you are clear on your result as well.  This allows you to see where your result may not be in alignment with theirs and gives you the opportunity to adjust your meeting accordingly or not have it at all.

Also, keep in mind the “to do” list is never-ending; don’t sacrifice family, health, and/or intimate relationships by working when you are home.  This means setting hard deadlines for when you leave the office and for when you shut off technology.  You cannot be your best if you are not taking time to recharge at night and on weekends.

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.