Møtelås

Møtelås is a Norwegian term that translates to "meeting lock" or "meeting embargo" in English. It refers to a situation where a group or organization deliberately postpones or avoids making decisions or taking action on a particular matter. This postponement can be for various reasons, such as waiting for more information, seeking broader consensus, or strategically delaying until a more opportune time.

The concept of møtelås is not inherently negative, but it can become problematic if it leads to stagnation or missed opportunities. It can be a deliberate tactic used in negotiations to gain leverage or to allow emotions to cool down. In project management, a møtelås might occur if a key stakeholder is unavailable or if there's a dependency on another team's progress.

While sometimes a temporary møtelås can be beneficial for careful consideration, prolonged or unnecessary delays can hinder progress and frustrate those involved. Identifying the root cause of a møtelås is crucial for determining whether it is a strategic pause or an impediment to effective decision-making. The term emphasizes the act of holding back or locking a decision, rather than the outcome itself. It highlights a specific phase in a decision-making process where forward movement is intentionally halted.