I remember when I started in this business, a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (yes, I'm stealing the intro from Star Wars). I got to work in a bubble. I did my drafting, ran the blue line print machine or delivered drawings. Life was simple, but I would look up and all of the managers were gone. Being the only drafter, sometimes the entire office was gone. Where were they? They went to a meeting, but if I had a question and no one was to be found what would I do?

As the firm grew and we had more drafters, I wasn't alone during those times. Then we moved into the modern age and started to implement CAD. They needed a CAD manager, and I guess I drew the short straw. I became the CAD manager, what a cool title. But, those management meetings, did not include me. No matter, I had a lot of work to do.

But I remember when I transitioned from CAD manager to Project Manager. It was 21 years ago on April 28, 1997. Even though prior to that, I was doing some PM work, I was never officially in the role. I remember my first project as a PM, it was a Lab remodel at UT Dallas. Was I ever overwhelmed, and then began the meetings. I had an excellent mentor in Randall Bauer, he guided me in coordinating the owner and consultants.

My current job, I work four 9-hour days and one 4-hour day to get my 40 hours in. I get into the office at 7:00am, so I end up with at least an hour to prepare for the day. Most meetings typically will start at 9:00, so I really get 2 hours. Even if I only have one meeting a day, I've lost at least 2 hours of my day. I typically have 3 types of meetings, client, consultant or marketing. With each of these meeting types, there is a front end and a backend to each meeting.

At the front end, I might have to do some research to get ready for the meeting. Another possibility is to change what I was going to work on and do updates to drawings or previous reports. Regardless of the meeting type, I seem to play the same role in the meeting.

I always try to utilize the time the best I can for everyone in the meeting. The first step is to have an agenda with a goal at the end. But when they aren't my meetings, if there is not an agenda, it is quite frustrating. I try to make the best use of my time throughout the week and without an agenda during a meeting, it seems the meeting wanders.

So, the meeting is over now what… Well, then I need to put together the minutes. Change the drawings or make phone calls. The meeting usually ends up adding unexpected work carving away at my week. One meeting can end up wiping out 4 hours of the day. But this is where delegation is great perk, and management pays off.

Is it possible to get anything done without the meeting? I don't know, but I spend so much time in the conference room, I'm think of having my name put on the door.

…and now for something completely different.
Donald duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear pants.