The conference call can be an effective way of keeping everyone on the same page. However, becoming a serial conference caller can create a situation where the call becomes a chore for those who are on it, and a redundant way of communicating.
Effective conference calls can get people on the same page from remote locations. They can get everyone into a "room" who needs to hear critical data but can't necessarily be in the same place at the same time.
To avoid making conference calls a chore, ask yourself whether the call needs to be weekly (or daily, or whatever regular frequency you have it). Much like any other meeting, determine an agenda beforehand, and send out information related to the call before the call.
Some of the worst calls I have been on have had similar themes:
1. Too frequent
2. Too focused on minutae.
3. Untimely (at an inconvenient time to the flow of the day
The best calls have had similar themes as well
1. Sporadic
2. Focused on a global big-picture agenda
3. At the beginning or end of the day
Tell me about your best and worst conference calls at robert@galaconcierge.com
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