The meeting after the meeting phenomenon

The 'meeting after the meeting' phenomenon refers to the informal discussions and decisions that take place among team members after a formal meeting has ended. These discussions often occur outside of the meeting setting, such as in the hallway or over coffee, and can include a range of topics related to the meeting, such as discussing decisions made or unresolved issues.

The phenomenon can be beneficial to a team's productivity in a number of ways. It provides an opportunity for team members to clarify their understanding of the meeting outcomes, ask questions, and share their perspectives in a less formal setting. It can also help build stronger relationships among team members and foster a sense of collaboration and shared responsibility.

However, the 'meeting after the meeting' phenomenon can also be detrimental to a team's productivity. It can create an environment of exclusion, where some team members are not included in the discussions and decisions made outside of the formal meeting. It can also lead to misunderstandings, as the informal nature of these discussions can result in incomplete or inaccurate information being shared. Additionally, if important decisions are made during these informal discussions, it can undermine the authority and credibility of the formal decision-making process, which can lead to confusion and conflict among team members.

To mitigate the negative effects of the 'meeting after the meeting' phenomenon, it is important to ensure that all team members have access to the same information and are included in discussions related to the meeting outcomes. Transparency and open communication are key, as is the establishment of clear guidelines for decision-making and the sharing of information. By addressing the potential downsides of the 'meeting after the meeting' phenomenon, teams can ensure that it remains a beneficial aspect of their overall productivity and collaboration.