Monday, 7 July 2008

How to stay awake in meetings

Do you keep falling asleep in meetings and seminars? What about those long and boring conference calls? Here's a way to change all of that.

1. Before (or during) your next meeting, seminar, or conference call, prepare yourself by drawing a square. I find that 5" x 5" is a good size. Divide the card into columns - five across and five down. That will give you 25 one-inch blocks.

2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block:
  • synergy
  • strategic fit
  • core competences
  • best practice
  • bottom line
  • revisit
  • expeditious
  • to tell you the truth (or "the truth is")
  • 24/7
  • out of the loop
  • benchmark
  • value-added
  • proactive
  • win-win
  • think outside the box
  • fast track
  • result-driven
  • empower (or empowerment)
  • knowledge base
  • at the end of the day
  • touch base
  • mindset
  • client focus(ed)
  • paradigm
  • game plan
  • leverage
3. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, stand up and shout "BULLSH*T!"

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