When a team member takes up the time on a 1 hour meeting..

Anonymous

February 20,2024 at 2:45AM UTC

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When a team member takes up the time on a 1 hour meeting.. What would you diplomatically say to move the meeting along and allow others to participate?

Every week, we have a call with the owner of the consulting firm for which I am employed to review the tasks and time spent for each client. The meeting is 1 hour and there are 2 of us reporting our time. My associate ( a male) will take up most of the hour.(or try's to) ... as he reviews every detail (unnecessary... as he is trying to make himself look accomplished) ... For example, he will say," I called him, she called me then I sent an email, then she didnt respond... blah blah blah ""... and he hasnt accomplished the task!

My point is just summarize the task and state what you accomplished! The owner doesnt say anything as this associate is the best friend of her bf. I have no problem saying something... as I have in the past.... " xxxx we only have 15 minutes remaining and I have to report the work I did last week.. can we move this along?"

Any other suggestions?

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AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 3:21AM UTC
I like this, but I would add one thing. The OP should only do this with the colleague first. If that doesn't work, take the floor first at the next meeting. Type up an agenda and hand it out at the beginning of the meeting with the times that each has the floor indicated. If you can wrap your stuff up in 20 minutes, all the better. It shows how much you accomplished and takes half the time to do it. It also makes him look like he has nothing but excuses with little to show for the time he has spent.
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 8:22PM UTC
Thank you.... your suggestions are well taken!
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 4:10AM UTC
At the beginning of the meeting, ground rules should be set - generally. Whoever is presiding should tell everyone to "make space, take space" - meaning, make space means do not dominate the meeting and take space meaning, everyone should say something of need be..... that way everyone gets the memo.... everyone should be time conscious...
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 8:20PM UTC
Thank you... input is helpful!
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 8:22PM UTC
Love your suggestions... thank you!