In our first episode of the Bad Meetings podcast, host Erika McKellar invites executive advisor Satu Ahlman to share insights on transforming unproductive executive meetings into opportunities for greatness. They discuss common pitfalls in executive meetings and explore actionable strategies to improve communication, team performance, and leadership skills.
Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
Guest: Satu Ahlman, Executive Advisor and Founder of Saga Performance
In this episode, Erika and Satu tackle the "meeting crisis," highlighting the staggering statistic that over 55 million meetings occur daily, with up to 70% deemed unproductive. They share their personal experiences with meeting mishaps and emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose behind meetings. The conversation delves into why executive teams exist, stressing the need to define the value and objectives of bringing team members together. They discuss recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses and advocate for rotational leadership in meetings to challenge comfort zones and encourage diverse perspectives.
The episode also covers strategies for building trust and fostering communication within teams. Erika and Satu underscore the importance of feedback and open dialogue in creating a collaborative environment. They differentiate between operational, strategic, and creative meetings, stressing the importance of preparation and clear agendas tailored to the objectives of each meeting. The episode concludes with actionable advice: teams should book meetings to discuss their meeting culture and goals, and individuals should always clarify the purpose of meetings to ensure they are productive and focused.
Key Time Stamps
Fun Facts & Personal Insights
(04:21) Satu's Morning Routine: Wakes up at 5 AM, enjoys oatmeal, coffee, CrossFit, and walking her dog.
Emphasizes the importance of routine for productivity and well-being.
(06:43) Erika shares a vulnerable story about how she met Satu during a challenging period in her career, highlighting the importance of professional support and mentorship.
Notable Quotes
"Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar
"You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Satu Oman
Resources
Saga Performance: SagaPerformance.com
Book Recommendation: "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker
Further reading: Your Scarcest Resource Harvard Business Review