One of the most popular and dysfunctional meetings I encounter in my work involves a team’s presenting work in progress to their boss for their feedback and / or blessing.
Why It Matters: Many leaders believe that these status updates are the best way to scale themselves across multiple projects. But holding court and dropping “pearls of wisdom” on teams actually causes more trouble than it’s worth.
The Big Picture: Leaders often lack the context to understand complex initiatives and the situation at the edge. This can lead to naïve questions at best and irresponsible recommendations at worst. Updates are also disruptive, and not in a good way. Last minute changes undermine teams and waste much of the time that was invested prior to the review. And, as you might imagine, these meetings become theatrical productions. Teams see updates as their chance to shine, so they over prepare.
The Bottom Line: The alternative is far simpler. Leaders can join a team and become part of the workflow, or they can be part of an advice process at the outset of the project upon request.
