Choose the correct answer a, b, c or d.
b) ’Can we take a quick timeout ?’
Well done! That’s the right answer.
In the context of professional meetings, a timeout is a short break taken to allow participants to gather their thoughts, refocus, and de-escalate tense or unproductive discussions. Timeouts can definitely help prevent meetings from becoming unproductive, frustrating, or even hostile.
Everyday use at work
> To address the escalating discussion, I propose a five-minute timeout to allow everyone to gather their thoughts and refocus.
> As the meeting discussions seem to be reaching a stalemate, let’s take a brief timeout to regroup and explore alternative perspectives.
> To prevent the meeting from digressing further, I suggest we take a five-minute timeout to address any immediate concerns and then return to the main agenda.
=> TIP
It’s generally a good idea to schedule a break during a 2-hour meeting. Without a break, participants may become fatigued and less focused, which can decrease the overall productivity of the meeting. A short break, even just a few minutes, can help people to re-energise and maintain their attention.
Three hours is quite a long time for a work meeting. Research suggests that the optimal length for a meeting is around 45-90 minutes, as longer meetings can lead to decreased attention and productivity. However, the ideal length can vary depending on the purpose of the meeting and the needs of the participants.
12 January 2024
