Sometimes something as small as spilling coffee on yourself, missing the bus on your commute, or getting negative feedback from a client can throw you off for an entire work day.
And, if you’re having a bad day, it’s likely you’re not going to be as focused as usual – especially when interacting with others in a team setting. We’re only human, after all.
But a certain workplace trick champions ‘clearing’ out any issues you have at the start of a work meeting, to help people get things off their chest and, ultimately, make it more productive.
Amy, of @hackyourhr on TikTok, says she used to work for a company where they were encouraged to start their meeting with ‘clearings’ – which is essentially clearing a distraction of something going on in that moment.
She explains it might be someone sharing they have a migraine so they might look irritable, or another flagging their child’s school has closed, so they might be antsy while they’re waiting on a call.
Amy says, if you’re distracted or showing up in a way that isn’t typical for you, you’re letting people know the ‘why’ behind it.
So is it worth having ‘clearings’ as standard practice in all meetings?
Robbie Bryant, a careers expert at Open Study College, says there’s definitely potential for the trick to be a good thing.
He tells Metro: ‘A lot of people can often come into meetings distracted with what’s going on outside, therefore clearing is a great way to immediately focus everyone’s attention on the meeting and put aside any thoughts they have.
‘Allowing members of the team to vent their issues at the beginning of a meeting will clear their minds and allow them to fully focus on the discussion ahead, therefore leading to a more productive meeting.
‘Clearing is also a great opportunity to let the team know if there is anything currently happening in your week that might impact your work, or if there is anything anyone can help with. In addition to this, it also helps to identify team goals and objectives across the team for that week.’
However, Robbie warns that ‘clearing’ could backfire and end up as a distraction from the meeting’s purpose.
He explains: ‘A clearing exercise can sometimes be mistaken for problem solving. This is not the case and should only be used to allow people to highlight their issues.
‘Depending on the issue raised, there could be a risk that the exercise could have the opposite effect with the team ahead of the meeting and create a bigger debate.
‘However, the way to deal with this is, if someone brings up an issue that needs further discussion, make a note of it and put aside time to review it after the meeting. The team will feel more at ease knowing the situation is to be discussed at a later date, helping to focus their thoughts back to the meeting.’
But, on the whole, Robbie says – as long as it’s used correctly – ‘clearing’ can be an effective way to make the most of meetings and also help with productivity.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : This TikTok workout hack could be a game changer for your gymtimidation
MORE : Would you sabotage an employer after being let go? It’s common practice in the tech industry
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox
Privacy Policy
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
