How Do I Get Out of a Bad Meeting?
Are you trapped in endless meetings that never lead to decisions? You’re not alone. In this episode of Go Ask Jenn, we tackle the frustrating reality of “monster committees” — those recurring meetings that drain your time and energy without delivering results.
The Problem: Endless Meetings, Zero Decisions
One viewer shared their dilemma:
“I’m on a committee that meets for 90 minutes every other week. We just swirl and spin and make no decisions. It’s a huge priority for my boss, but to me, it feels like a massive waste of time.”
Sound familiar? Let’s unpack why this happens and what you can do about it.
Why Your Time Feels Wasted (And Why It Probably Is)
If your calendar is being swallowed by a committee that goes nowhere, it’s likely due to one or more of these root causes:
- Poor meeting management
- Unclear roles and responsibilities
- Misalignment with your boss’s expectations
Step-by-Step: How to Reclaim Your Time
1. Clarify Expectations with Your Boss
Start by asking your boss why your attendance is important. What outcomes do they expect from the committee? Are you there to drive decisions, represent a team, or simply observe?
2. Explore Delegation or Rotation
If your presence isn’t critical, consider sending a delegate or rotating attendance among team members. This can help preserve your time while still meeting organizational needs.
3. Recognize Hidden Politics or Development Goals
Sometimes, your role on a committee isn’t about the work — it’s about visibility, influence, or professional development. Learning to “play nice” and positively influence ineffective colleagues is a skill worth honing.
The Hidden Upside: What Bad Meetings Reveal About Culture
Poorly run committees can offer valuable insights into your workplace culture. Use your time there as a fact-finding mission. Observe behaviors, decision-making styles, and communication patterns.
Ask yourself:
How can what I learn here inform how I lead my own teams or improvement efforts?
Want to Fix the Committee? Resources Below!
If you’re ready (or asked) to take on the challenge of improving the committee, I’ve got you covered. Check our our Team Charter Toolkit or this handy infographic from The Advisory Board.
Closing Thoughts
Have you faced a similar situation? What strategies helped you navigate it? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s learn together. If you’re dealing with a sticky workplace situation, send it my way. I’ll help you sort it out. Until then, happy improving!
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