møterot

Møterot is a Norwegian term that translates to "meeting rot" or "meeting decay." It describes a phenomenon where the effectiveness and purpose of meetings gradually diminish over time. Initially, meetings might be productive and achieve specific goals, but as they become more frequent or their structure becomes less defined, they can start to lose their value. This can manifest as meetings that run too long, lack clear agendas, involve unnecessary participants, or fail to produce actionable outcomes.

The causes of møterot are varied. They can include a lack of clear objectives for each meeting, poor facilitation skills, an over-reliance on meetings as a default communication method, or a general decline in meeting discipline. Employees might find themselves spending a significant portion of their workday in unproductive gatherings, leading to frustration and a decrease in overall productivity. The feeling of being stuck in an endless cycle of meetings without tangible progress is a hallmark of møterot.

Addressing møterot typically involves re-evaluating meeting culture and practices. This might include implementing stricter agenda requirements, setting time limits for discussions, ensuring only essential participants are invited, and assigning clear action items with deadlines. Encouraging alternatives to meetings, such as asynchronous communication tools or brief stand-ups, can also help combat the spread of møterot. The goal is to restore meetings to their intended purpose as efficient tools for collaboration and decision-making.