by Todd Pheifer

Created on: June 02, 2009

The office meeting can feel like torture for some people, particularly when it drags on beyond the allotted time. People can engage in endless circular debates, certain individuals can deliver long speeches, and squabbling staff members can visit the same argument that was discussed the prior week. In these types of situations, it can be very difficult to stay focused and productive. If people were given a choice, they would be anywhere but the weekly meeting. However, they not only have to stay but they may have to contribute at some point. Here are a few thoughts on how people can stay focused during the dreaded office meeting.

Note taking

One way that people can stay somewhat focused is to take notes on what is being said throughout the meeting. People may not be all that interested in the content being discussed, but taking notes gives people something to do. The process of writing can at least help in keeping people awake and it may prove valuable at a later time if they have to reference the content of the meeting.

Engage

Another way to be involved in the meeting process is to talk or contribute to the discussion. Granted, people can't just blurt out their opinion if it is not asked for or is not appropriate to the context. However, engaging other people in the meeting can be one way to stay somewhat involved in the flow of the meeting, rather than sitting back and being completely passive.

Beverage management

Of course, there is always the use of food and beverages. Some people try to stay focused by drinking water, soda, or coffee during the meeting. Others bring a snack so that they can munch on a bit of food during the experience. Granted, the culture may not allow for food and beverage, in which case people will just have to wait. In addition, if people are partaking of beverages during a long meeting, they may find themselves in need of a bathroom. This can create a new type of distraction, which can further distract from the meeting.

Break time

Finally, sometimes people just need to step out and take a breath. Again, sometimes the office meeting is not conducive to people just getting up and leaving, but it may be one solution if the culture allows. People's attention spans can be rather short, and a break allows them to "clear their head" and re-focus on the task at hand. Overall, the office meeting can be a long and grueling experience but people survive such experiences all the time when they plan ahead and prepare to meet the challenge.

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