In a previous post I put up on Weber Shandwick losing the Coke account I mused on the fact that large organisations find it incredibly difficult to communicate internally. Oftentimes its not that the intention isn't there but its the process, infrastructure and ownership.
Getting information across in an easily digestible, efficient and attractive way is an art form. Many organisations believe that the only way for groups to communicate is by having a meeting. I have seen from first hand experience executives suffering from 'meeting fatigue'. They are in so many meetings that they don't actually have any hours in the day left to do their job!
I hate to say it but I too am overwhelmed by meetings. Some clients need a meeting every week. These meetings are always valuable and I do think you get more information face-to-face but what with the time spent travelling here and there I estimate that at least 50% of my time every week is spent in meetings. And I am sure that my time could be used more productively on my clients accounts rather than on the 243 bus catching up on the latest PR Week. However I don't resent it as I think it is really important to be close to my clients business.
So what to do about this dilemma? Well one of my clients gave me a clue today. Share the burden! They make a special effort to come to our offices for our meetings when they can and it is much appreciated - even though I get teased for not treating them to the 'special biscuits'. It does make a big difference.
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