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I have a confession to make. I love doing meetings over video conferencing specifically because everyone hates them and it makes them get right to the point so

I have a confession to make. I love doing meetings over video conferencing specifically because everyone hates them and it makes them get right to the point so they can get off of them as quickly as possible. There's far less chit chat about irrelevant stuff, or political talk, or whatever other nonsense is keeping me from getting work done. Yes, I hate the disconnects and freezes, and the half-second delay, and all that stuff. But if it makes my meetings short (and it does!) then I'll take it!

haswell 6y ago
Interestingly, I have not found the same to be true at all. I suspect this varies from org to org. I've noticed a marked increase in meeting pre-amble: - General checkins about how people are doing / holding up (mostly a positive thing) - Chitchat about the latest thing: new COVID restrictions, or a favorite restaurant closing, or "I finally braved a haircut" - Fires - The usual small chitchat about the weather, etc. I've interpreted this as folks feeling desperate for connection. Connection they'd usually get by being in the office. When I started typing this comment, I was trying to categorize the type of meeting where I've seen this happen, but it's actually pretty universal, ranging from: - Daily standups and other standing meetings with immediate team - Broader planning discussions - I've even seen this "personal interest" chatter from execs who are usually a bit more private. At times, it's nice to indulge in this. Over time, it's had a negative impact on productivity. It's hard to know how to react to it - on the one hand, it feels like people are in need, and this is their way of staying sane. On the flip side, there aren't very many hours in a day. Could be a company culture thing.
- jedberg 6y ago
  I've been working from home for five years now, at remote only companies. One thing we do is start every all hands meeting with a personal update. Everyone gets a chance, if they want, to talk about something personal. A movie they saw, a kid's accomplishment, etc. But these updates are limited to the weekly all hands meeting. Other meetings just get right into it. It seems to be a good balance of getting to know your coworkers and not wasting too much time. In the grand scheme of things, it probably takes up less time than all the random water cooler chitchat that takes place in an office.

haswell 6y ago

Interestingly, I have not found the same to be true at all. I suspect this varies from org to org. I've noticed a marked increase in meeting pre-amble: - General checkins about how people are doing / holding up (mostly a positive thing) - Chitchat about the latest thing: new COVID restrictions, or a favorite restaurant closing, or "I finally braved a haircut" - Fires - The usual small chitchat about the weather, etc. I've interpreted this as folks feeling desperate for connection. Connection they'd usually get by being in the office. When I started typing this comment, I was trying to categorize the type of meeting where I've seen this happen, but it's actually pretty universal, ranging from: - Daily standups and other standing meetings with immediate team - Broader planning discussions - I've even seen this "personal interest" chatter from execs who are usually a bit more private. At times, it's nice to indulge in this. Over time, it's had a negative impact on productivity. It's hard to know how to react to it - on the one hand, it feels like people are in need, and this is their way of staying sane. On the flip side, there aren't very many hours in a day. Could be a company culture thing.

jedberg 6y ago
I've been working from home for five years now, at remote only companies. One thing we do is start every all hands meeting with a personal update. Everyone gets a chance, if they want, to talk about something personal. A movie they saw, a kid's accomplishment, etc. But these updates are limited to the weekly all hands meeting. Other meetings just get right into it. It seems to be a good balance of getting to know your coworkers and not wasting too much time. In the grand scheme of things, it probably takes up less time than all the random water cooler chitchat that takes place in an office.