Rethinking Virtual Meeting Culture: The "Four Ds" for Enhanced Productivity and Sanity
Virtual meetings seem to be a necessary evil in today’s workplace. And there's a crucial conversation we need to have about them. As we continue to navigate online collaboration, it's essential to consider the efficiency, efficacy, and etiquette of these digital gatherings.
One insightful approach comes from the Chief People Officer at Dropbox, who introduced the "three Ds" rule to streamline virtual meetings. The rule is simple: if a meeting doesn't require you to "discuss, debate, and decide" on an issue, then it's more efficient to communicate via Slack or email. This guideline helps in distinguishing between matters that necessitate the collaborative environment of a meeting and those that can be resolved through asynchronous communication.
However, I believe there's room for an additional 'D' in this framework: Develop. This fourth 'D' underscores the need to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, an aspect that's often understated yet vital in remote work settings. The inclusion of 'Develop' recognizes that meetings aren't just transactional spaces but also opportunities to foster team cohesion and understand each other better.
How to Get Started
Make clear if your meeting agenda is about Discussing, Debating, Deciding or Developing. A combination is fine but limit it to two actions.
Incorporate the "Four Ds" into meeting agendas to clarify the purpose of each gathering. This allows participants to quickly recognize when to make decisions, when to engage in debates, and when to focus on relationship-building. This clarity not only enhances the productivity of meetings but also respects everyone's time – something none of us have enough of.
As we continue to adapt to remote work dynamics, it's essential to reassess and refine our approach to virtual meetings continually. By embracing concepts like the "Four Ds," we can create a more structured, purposeful, and humane virtual meeting culture, ultimately leading to a more productive and less overwhelming work environment.
________________________
Michelle Flores Vryn, CFRE is a nonprofit leader, fundraiser and consultant. She is recognized as an engaging speaker, teacher and writer on how to accelerate nonprofit impact through sustainable growth. You can reach out to her for speaking engagements and trainings.
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and check out her [re]generative nonprofit blog for more insights on the social sector.
