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Take the Path of Least Distraction

July 3, 2001

"Without a team policy on leaving meetings early, your departure can be very disruptive.  When you head toward the exit, meeting attendees may become distracted and the speaker may lose her train of thought.

The best way to hand such distractions is to develop ground rules.  Consider these points as the team develops early-departure policy:

* Early notification.
Agree that members who must leave meetings early will notify the meeting leader before the team gathers.

* Announcement to the team.
So no one has to make any last-minute explanations, agree that the meeting leader will announce early departures as the session opens.  If the meeting leader forgets to make an announcement, a member should be allowed to carefully interrupt before the leader launches into the meat of the agenda.  The member should simply explain that she has an appointment she can't avoid and state when she'll be back at her position.

* A buddy-system.
Agree to pair up and collect time-sensitive information or questions for your buddy in his absence.  After the meeting, your buddy can send you an e-mail message or voice-mail message that you can refer to immediately upon your return.

* Tolerance for 'slipping out.'
Agree that a cue to leave won't be required of the meeting leader.  This will allow the team to stay focused on the meeting as a member leaves.  It will also help if teammates agree that they won't watch early-departers leave (Teamwork, 1999, p.2)."

Take the path of least distraction. (1999,July 9). Teamwork: Your Personal Guide to Working Successfully with People. 

Do you have a policy on leaving meetings early?

 Teamwork is available on loan from the OSU Leadership Center.  A complete listing of all the Leadership Center's resources is available on our website www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders

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Created: 2009-01-02, Updated: 2009-01-15