Jamie Dimon says this is how you run successful meetings

Meetings. We all love to hate them. Even Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, thinks many meetings are a drag. He believes they can actually slow a company down.

But let’s face it: sometimes meetings are a must. How do you make them less painful and more productive? Dimon shared his no-nonsense approach in his annual letter to shareholders.

Kill Useless Meetings

Dimon’s first piece of advice? Axe the unnecessary meetings. He says they’re a prime example of what clogs up progress. Think about it: how many meetings have you sat through where nothing really got done? Too many, right?

Meeting Must-Haves: Dimon’s Rules

You have to have a meeting. Here’s Dimon’s checklist for making it count:

• Start on Time, End on Time: Respect everyone’s schedule.
• Designate a Leader: Someone needs to steer the ship.
• Have a Purpose: What are you trying to achieve? Don’t waste time on vague discussions.
• Action Items: Always wrap up with a clear list of who’s doing what next.
• Invite Only the Essential: No need for a crowd. Just the key players.

No Secret Side Chats!

Dimon is adamant about this one: no “meeting after the meeting. ” You know, when someone whispers something to the boss that they wouldn’t say in front of the group. He calls it unacceptable. His advice? Be transparent with your colleagues.

Do Your Homework

Before the meeting, do the required reading. Give the material your full attention. No skimming! Come prepared to contribute.

Ditch the Jargon

Keep it simple. Dimon hates jargon. Speak plainly so everyone understands.

Pay Attention!

This is huge. Dimon sees people constantly checking their phones during meetings. Notifications, personal texts, emails. .. It drives him crazy! He says it’s disrespectful and a waste of time. Put the phone down and be present.

Dimon’s Been Saying This For Years

This isn’t a new pet peeve. Dimon has complained about meeting inefficiencies before. He even mentioned a town hall where remote employees were glued to their notifications while he was talking. Ouch!

More Than Just Meetings

Dimon’s shareholder letter wasn’t just about meetings. He also touched on treating people with respect at all levels and JPMorgan’s accomplishments. But his meeting advice is a powerful reminder: time is valuable. Don’t waste it on pointless gatherings.