Understanding the Value of People’s Time

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.

-JimRohn, an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker 

Meetings are necessary, but they become intolerable when they drag on and on, start late, or the discussion goes off the track. It’s annoying when you feel that your time has been hijacked—especially when other projects and responsibilities are in the pipeline. Poor time management is often the cause of this distress. Meetings would be more productive—and less irritating—if all activities started on time, ended on time, and stayed on the topic. As a leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that meetings are of benefit to the participants and satisfy the meeting objectives. Running a successful meeting can be boiled down to three things: be purposeful, be engaged, and be respectful of the attendees’ time.

• Explain the importance of adhering to meeting time 

• Interpret the impact of delaying a meeting 

• Respect others’ time