Sure, everyone’s had their good and bad experiences when it comes to meetings; some have been transformational, good/bad/indifferent or just downright boring. Thousand of people hours are spent every year in conference rooms and offices when colleagues sit down together and chew the fat. Yes, they can be inefficient, yes they can be time consuming, but there are some good reasons why the old-fashioned meeting can be a beneficial:

Meetings are morale boosters:
If people are actively involved and informed through the use of a good meeting, they feel personally invested into their organisation. This helps them understand what they are doing, where they are going, what they are trying to achieve and understand what part they play in the process. It helps with their personal development.

Meetings help people be empowered:
If a manager or their subordinate is given an opportunity to play a key role in a meeting in front of their peers and/or superiors, then they are empowered by the ability to have their voice, opinion and expertise heard. Giving people the authority to call a meeting is a method of empowerment in itself.

Meetings can develop growth:
Meetings are an ideal learning opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and expertise with others. This means that everybody becomes informed and educated; and are better able to come up with solutions and innovative ideas to develop individual and organisational growth.