CEOs spend a great deal of time in meetings, according to research described in a February 14, 2012 Wall Street Journal article “Where’s the Boss? Trapped in a Meeting”. The article conveys the message that, as a result of so much time in meetings, CEOs have little time to think. In fact, “Little Time to Think” is in the subtitle of the article. But, the way the article seems to paint meetings as the enemy of thinking can be misleading.
Time to think is important. This is especially the case in light of research discussed in newer books such as Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman and Great by Choice by Jim Collins and Morton Hansen. Both books highlight the downside of deciding too fast. In addition, my own research finds that there are definite patterns of business success, so thinking through strategic choices plays a crucial role in making Winning Moves.
Furthermore, it’s true that many meetings don’t lend themselves to thinking. And, there are many unproductive meetings whose participants, including CEOs, might accomplish much more doing something else. It’s also true that time alone to think can be valuable.
But, the Wall Street Journal article misses a very important point: some meetings actually do offer the opportunity to think. So, although many meetings are not oriented toward thinking, we should not lose sight of the value of those that are.
Meetings with one or a small number of individuals who help question, clarify, and refine ideas can, in fact, be thinking meetings. These might be meetings with a coach, strategic advisor, or trusted colleague, for example. These kinds of meetings are not necessarily a complete substitute for time alone. But, they can be valuable thinking opportunities.
This is the case because thinking can be stimulated in a number of ways. Of course, time alone can foster thinking. Sometimes great thinking happens when the mind is relatively unoccupied–perhaps, while going for a walk. Reading the ideas of others can stimulate thinking. Writing can stimulate thinking, as the writer works to clarify what is said and to be more precise about what the writing means.
Additionally, however, non-solitary activities, such as discussing ideas with others, can also stimulate thinking. Much like writing does, certain types of conversations can help more clearly define what particular trains of thought mean. And, these conversations can take place in a meeting.
So, when articles like the one in the Wall Street Journal say the boss is in a meeting with little time to think, we shouldn’t forget that some meetings provide opportunities for thinking. Yes, many CEOs could use more time alone to think. But, the thinking value of meetings should not be overlooked.
