The leader of a company told me that once. I’ve thought about it for years.
You see, I hate meetings. Following the 80/20 rule, fully 80% of the meetings I’ve been in during my organizational life have been a waste of time. Well, a waste for us, but perhaps not for the “leader” who loves to gather people in a room and talk. And perhaps force through a decision or two. “All right then, we’re agreed. Go do it!”
A leader must first of all know where she’s going. And then teach the people about where and how. Rather than formal meetings with PowerPoint presentations of meaningless facts and numbers, the leader must meet individually and with small groups. Not in a fancy boardroom with comfortable chairs. No, rather standing in their environment. Asking and teaching.
Leaders must be readers, for there must be substance behind the teaching.
Leaders must be careful listeners, for they must be able to filter the BS and grasp the essence of the person and their views and problems.
Leaders must be teachers, for everyone in the organization needs the background in order to do their jobs effectively.
Leaders must be thinkers, for their people deserve a leader who has thought through directions and decisions.
But leaders need not lead formal meetings all day, every day, because they love meetings.
Faith Venture 
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