Tired of long, boring meetings, some companies have embraced five-minute huddles or desk “drive-bys” for minor decision making. The CEO of a New York digital agency likes to cut people short when they talk too long by resorting to being “politely blunt.” Brief daily check-in meetings are common in marketing, e-commerce, advertising, and related fields. These mini meetings are so short that PowerPoint is out. So are long-winded speeches. Participants learn to boil down their contributions or they risk being cut off—brutally.

An account director at a digital agency in Phoenix says that the resulting bluntness “feels like having the wind knocked out of you.” An executive creative director tactfully concludes: “You sort of need to check your ego at the door.” Some companies limit even video meetings to five minutes. A Boston software developer holds lightning meetings that he praises for their energy and fast action. This breakneck efficiency leaves no time for idle chitchat about the kids or the weather.

Your Task. 

As a team, brainstorm all possible applications of quick meetings. What types of businesses could benefit from such meetings? How would you ensure on-time arrival, participation and order during the meeting, and turn-taking? What type of sanctions would you impose for violations? What are some potential drawback of the five-minute scrum? If your instructor directs, write an e-mail (see Chapter 7) to persuade your current or past boss to adopt or reject five-minute meetings.