Article by Tracey MacLennan, Head of Organisational Effectiveness at Insights
That’s a huge amount of an already busy working week! In particular, being able to connect with colleagues on Zoom or Teams at the click a button means that the amount of time we spend in meetings has skyrocketed. So how can you maximise your meeting time?
Firstly, take a deep breath and ask yourself if a meeting is really needed in the first place! Do you just need to clarify something? Do you just need to let your team member know about something? Not everything needs to be a meeting.
Experiment with meeting timings – if you schedule a full hour, the chances are you will fill that time. Try scheduling 45 minutes instead, which will give you some time to decompress and evaluate before you dive into the next meeting.
Be clear on the purpose – consider what a good outcome would be for your meeting. Do you need a decision? Do you want to generate lots of ideas? Is it an update or status meeting? A clear purpose will help you to decide on who needs to attend and how much time you will need.
Create a clear agenda – This helps people to understand what is needed and the expectations of them in terms of preparation and during the meeting. This will also help attendees to decide if they need to attend a full meeting. If input is required for just one agenda point, they can join the meeting at the appropriate time.
Let people know what you need from them – It often helps to engage people in a meeting if you ask them to bring options and ideas along, to help them feel a sense of ownership. If it’s a progress update, consider circulating key reports ahead of time and using the meeting to answer questions or spotlight key points.
Use your colour energies to your advantage – At Insights we look at personal preference through the lens of colour. Those with a preference for fiery red energy tend to be determined, with a lot of drive, so will make sure actions are tracked and assigned. Those who lead with earth green energy have a tendency towards being more caring, so will be helping to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. Sunshine yellow energy are often sociable and dynamic, so will bring the enthusiasm. You can rely on those leading with cool blue energy (often with precise, questioning qualities) to help make sure the right questions are asked.
Get moving – As part of our wellbeing strategy we have been encouraging our people to make the most of meeting time and go for a walk if possible. Our colleagues have commented that they often feel more connected and have better quality 1-1s when walking and talking rather than sitting at a desk with lots of other distractions.
Ask! – If you’re really committed to improving your meetings, ask your attendees for feedback. “Was it easy for you to contribute?”, “Do you feel like you contributed/gained something of value from the meeting?”
So now you have freed up all of this time you can decide how you want to use it. Here at Insights we have enjoyed regular “no meeting” days across the organisation and people have loved the chance to have some thinking or creative time, time to invest in their development or to take some time out for wellbeing.
June
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.