Here's a random thing that grinds my gears: meeting invite politics.

Anonymous

January 28,2022 at 6:23PM UTC

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Here's a random thing that grinds my gears: meeting invite politics.

I've been in so many situations where figuring out who should be in a meeting takes almost as long as what needs to be discussed in the meeting. People are added and removed and added and removed—and to be honest, I think these "hierarchies" causes many unnecessary communication problems. Does anyone else feel this way?

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AnonymousJanuary 28,2022 at 7:05PM UTC
I keep all my invites to a minimum. A bare minimum.
If people get offended they can bring it up to me personally. I have to hammer people in my meetings so the invited ones are not exactly excited to be in the meeting.
CaitlinJanuary 28,2022 at 8:51PM UTC
Ugh. Yes. If I'm thinking the list is getting too long, I'll try to have an aside with the person we're thinking of inviting: "hey! I wanted to let you know we're setting up a meeting to discuss xx. I know you're super busy and we're a meeting heavy culture, so I wanted to give you the chance to join, but know that I will take good notes and socialize action items after the meeting. Let me know if you want in!" Often, people will be grateful they can get the cliff notes version without taking the time to attend... It's still politics and takes a lot of work, though!
AnonymousJanuary 31,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
i think part of the “politics” comes into play when communicating things in the manner you just suggested; a simple “I’m setting up a meeting to discuss XYZ on DATE at TIME. Would you like to be included on the meeting invite, or would you prefer to receive post-meeting notes instead?” will say the same thing.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2022 at 12:19AM UTC
I never even put this together as a 'thing' until you gave a name to it. Absolutely 100% agree it's irritating and can get political very, very quickly. It happens when people are territorial and slightly dysfunctional in particular, so I think the best way to avoid issues is to allow everyone to modify the meeting attendees so there is transparency and clarity that anyone can invite anyone else. There's also a role for middle management to play here in terms of setting examples and expectations that the "more is merrier".
DeniseJanuary 29,2022 at 7:37PM UTC
Yes, I agree .
AnonymousJanuary 30,2022 at 12:05AM UTC
Agree. In fact, I think the tech that enables people to do that should be taken off of the invitations. If you want someone in or out of a meeting, go back to the organizer.
Me!January 31,2022 at 4:04PM UTC
To limit this I find it is helpful (on new projects) to ask out department heads for names and assignments. I than inform these individuals who assigned them and that the invite is coming. It’s more work upfront but, limits the drama.