You need to unplug. If you're experiencing zoom fatigue.

That is something I’ve heard someone say recently in response to the idea that, having to be on Zoom most of the time for meetings is getting folks burned out and really tired.

Even though it IS possible that you can spend too much time in front of a screen, it’s also possible that the reason why you’re tired is because most of the meetings have been unproductive and unfocused.

When meetings are productive AND focused AND most of them occur within regular work hours and expectations, then it’s just simply part of the job that can be lived with and planned for.

So let’s ignore the fact that some of the zoom meetings we’re attending are scheduled outside of regular working hours.

That’s a separate issue.

How do you solve the problem of Zoom meetings being unfocused?

You prepare an agenda ahead of time! The problem is most people are okay with a vague agenda like “let’s meet at 1pm to see how far with the fundraising committee”.

The agenda should be more clearer like 1. Collation of ticket proceeds 2. Defaulters from last week - plan of attack 3. Vendor payments for the building project - authorize payments 4. Fundraising targets set for the next quarter.

A specific agenda like this can be worked through fairly rigorously and in good time if the chairperson for the meeting is disciplined.

Short agendas are good because it will be easy to maintain energy and focus around a few key issues. Twenty items on the agenda for the discussion will have everyone tired even before the meeting has begun!

What is the best way to make sure that our zoom meetings are productive?

We have to decide on the follow through items and actions AT THIS CURRENT MEETING instead of coming back next week to “follow up” on who was supposed to get done with what.

In other words, if at the last meeting the board agreed that vendor payments should be authorized, then it should also be mandated clearly at this current meeting WHO is supposed to make WHICH payments by WHAT day of the week and WHAT kinds of proof or processes they should come with at the next meeting.

If you do things this way, then you avoid those awkward parts of the zoom meeting where people start to talk over each other saying “Chukwudi should have been the one responsible for XYZ”, or “I didn’t effect ABC because I was waiting on Kemi to do XYZ”.

People underestimate the amount of time that is wasted with the “back and forth” and blame trading and responsibility shifting that goes on during zoom meetings.

If you make sure that your business zoom meetings are handled this way, you shouldn’t feel as burned out because your meetings will be short, straight to the point, and effective.

These principles also apply if the meeting is over Google Hangouts, WhatsApp video, Skype, or whatever platform you guys decide to use.

If you keep things unfocused and unproductive, you’ll get tired of the other options as well...even if the meetings return to being “live” and “in person”.