The Meeting Hack: How You’re Losing Productivity (and How to Fix It)
Oct 22, 2024I’d say that the average coach wastes up to 40% of their workday on distractions and inefficient scheduling, leaving them with less time to focus on the very things that lead to success—developing their team and recruiting top talent.
Without intentional structure, you're not just losing productivity, you're losing your competitive edge.
Sound harsh? It’s the reality many coaches face every day. Between scattered meetings, last-minute schedule changes, and the constant demands of your program, it’s easy to feel busy without feeling truly productive.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. What if you could take back control of your day and become more intentional with your time? A simple strategy could make all the difference.
The Problem: Random Meetings Are Killing Your Flow
We’ve all been there. You’re working on a crucial recruiting plan, feeling productive, when suddenly it hits you: “I have a meeting in 30 minutes.” That tiny thought is enough to pull you out of focus. After the meeting, it takes time to get back into your work—just in time for the next meeting.
The result? Your day is full of activity, but you’re left with half-finished tasks and little to show for it.
The Strategy: Stack Your Meetings to Regain Control
The solution is simple but powerful: stack your meetings. Instead of letting meetings take control of your day, you take control by grouping them together.
Here’s how you do it:
- Avoid one-off meetings – Don’t let random meetings hijack your day. Start saying no to one-off meetings and instead, schedule them in batches.
- Schedule meetings before or after existing ones – This creates a solid block of meeting time, allowing you to dive into focus mode once the meetings are done. Plus, having back-to-back meetings sets a hard deadline, so each one stays on track.
- Shorten your meetings – Most meetings don’t need an hour. If someone asks for 60 minutes, counter with 45. People tend to be more efficient with less time.
- Create a 2-3 hour meeting block – Group your meetings into a set block of time during the day, with a few 5-10 minute breaks in between to reset. This way, you’re in “meeting mode” for one part of the day, and the rest is yours to focus on higher-level tasks like planning, recruiting, or team development.
The Results: More Accomplishment, Less Activity
By stacking meetings, you’re no longer constantly switching between focus and interruptions. You’ll end your day feeling accomplished, not just busy.
You’ll also have more mental space to think strategically, lead your team, and handle recruiting—rather than just managing the chaos of a scattered schedule.
Ready to Take Control?
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re running in circles and want to bring more intentional structure to your day, I’m here to help. Book a call with me today, and let’s dive into how you can reclaim your time, streamline your schedule, and get back to what matters most—building a winning team.