Gina Gardiner Associates
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2025-08-31 - The Day I Realised that Meetings Could Save Time (Not Waste It)
If you groaned just reading the word "meeting," I understand. I used to groan too.
Like many leaders, I spent hours each week in long, draining meetings that seemed to generate more frustration than solutions. Everyone spoke, but little changed. It often felt like we were rearranging deckchairs on a ship that was already moving in circles.
I thought of the true cost of the time spent in meetings and knew things must change. I decided to approach meetings differently. Instead of asking, "What do we need to discuss?" I asked, "What would make this meeting truly valuable for everyone in the room?"
That shift changed everything.
Agendas became more focused, and we identified how best to share information efficiently so staff were well prepared. The decision-making process was significantly more effective so we spent significantly less time in meetings. Slowly but surely, meetings became seen as a vital and enjoyable activity. People showed up ready to contribute. We were actually left with more time in the day, not less.
Here's what I learned:
Meetings don't have to be the bane of leadership. In fact, when they're intentional, they become one of the most powerful tools for alignment, trust, and momentum.
So the next time you walk into a meeting, pause and ask yourself: How can I give everyone here a gift of time and clarity today?
You might be surprised at how differently the room feels.
Like many leaders, I spent hours each week in long, draining meetings that seemed to generate more frustration than solutions. Everyone spoke, but little changed. It often felt like we were rearranging deckchairs on a ship that was already moving in circles.
I thought of the true cost of the time spent in meetings and knew things must change. I decided to approach meetings differently. Instead of asking, "What do we need to discuss?" I asked, "What would make this meeting truly valuable for everyone in the room?"
That shift changed everything.
Agendas became more focused, and we identified how best to share information efficiently so staff were well prepared. The decision-making process was significantly more effective so we spent significantly less time in meetings. Slowly but surely, meetings became seen as a vital and enjoyable activity. People showed up ready to contribute. We were actually left with more time in the day, not less.
Here's what I learned:
- A meeting without clarity will consume energy instead of creating it.
- People value brevity and focus far more than elaborate presentations.
- When you design a meeting to give people time back, they give you their best energy in return.
Meetings don't have to be the bane of leadership. In fact, when they're intentional, they become one of the most powerful tools for alignment, trust, and momentum.
So the next time you walk into a meeting, pause and ask yourself: How can I give everyone here a gift of time and clarity today?
You might be surprised at how differently the room feels.
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What My Clients Say
"Just wanted to drop you a note to say how much I enjoyed your Learning at Work session today. I can't believe how much I learnt in such a short space of time and how much I enjoyed it. Thank you also for the pack which is full of useful material. I have come away inspired and determined to put it all into practice.
M Essex University
TESTIMONIAL FROM SKILLS FOR YOU PROJECT
Gina Gardiner has been one of the key trainers/tutors on the Skills For You Project organised by CEM UK since May 2009.
This project is a 12 week soft skills employability training programme for the unemployed in the London Borough of Newham, to help them get back to work.
Gina's sessions are very practical, full of activities but with much fun as well, in a very relaxed and cordial atmosphere.
Gina has a very unique way of delivering her stuff and would leave you with much 'food for thought'. She would empower you with the skills not only for the job market but also for life in general. Gina would always do and go beyond that which expected of her. Gina's hand outs are precious and valuable materials you can always refer to.
As a result of Gina's training, a lot of our participants have gained their self worth and self confidence back, and most of them are doing well in their various places of work.
I have been greatly impressed by Gina's input into our project and she would continue to be one of our main trainers as long as we run this project."
M Essex University
TESTIMONIAL FROM SKILLS FOR YOU PROJECT
Gina Gardiner has been one of the key trainers/tutors on the Skills For You Project organised by CEM UK since May 2009.
This project is a 12 week soft skills employability training programme for the unemployed in the London Borough of Newham, to help them get back to work.
Gina's sessions are very practical, full of activities but with much fun as well, in a very relaxed and cordial atmosphere.
Gina has a very unique way of delivering her stuff and would leave you with much 'food for thought'. She would empower you with the skills not only for the job market but also for life in general. Gina would always do and go beyond that which expected of her. Gina's hand outs are precious and valuable materials you can always refer to.
As a result of Gina's training, a lot of our participants have gained their self worth and self confidence back, and most of them are doing well in their various places of work.
I have been greatly impressed by Gina's input into our project and she would continue to be one of our main trainers as long as we run this project."
ETIENNE OBLADO, PROJECT MANAGER, SKILLS FOR YOU