Some meetings can be a complete waste of time, especially when you know your presence isn’t essential. Here is a non-confrontational way to try and get out of those meetings so you can get back to your work.
Picture: Xataka
When you think a meeting is unnecessary — either for you or for everyone involved — it’s usually best to avoid telling the organiser that their meeting is pointless. Instead, Jayson Demers, the founder and CEO of AudienceBloom, suggests you frame your opinions in the context of alternative options:
For example, rather than saying “I don’t need to be in this meeting,” you can say, “I think it might be more productive if I work on completing X Project this afternoon instead.” Or instead of saying “this meeting isn’t necessary,” you can say, “I think a detailed email update might be sufficient.”
This strategy keeps your opinions from sounding like complaints or direct objections. Now, if they have a good reason for you to attend the meeting, they will inform you. If not, they will likely agree that your alternative is more productive, either for you or for everyone. Don’t just be a naysayer and bring something to the table.
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