Meetings are often seen as a productivity black hole, sucking up valuable time without delivering tangible results. If you’re frustrated by endless meetings and want to convince your boss and coworkers that they could be spending their time more effectively, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) can provide powerful tools to help you.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using NLP techniques to shift perspectives and reduce unnecessary meetings.
1. Understand the Power of Framing
Framing is an NLP technique that involves presenting information in a way that influences how people perceive it. To frame meetings as unproductive, focus on outcomes rather than processes. For example:
Before: “Meetings are a waste of time.”
After: “Imagine if we could achieve our goals faster by reducing unnecessary discussions.”
This shifts the conversation to exploring alternatives rather than defending the status quo.
2. Use Embedded Commands
Embedded commands are subtle suggestions hidden within your sentences. These can bypass resistance and plant ideas in your boss’s and coworkers’ minds. For instance:
Instead of: “We should stop having so many meetings.”
Try: “As we explore ways to work smarter, you might notice how fewer meetings could free up time for more impactful work.”
The embedded command (“notice how fewer meetings could free up time”) encourages them to consider the idea without feeling pressured.
3. Employ the Milton Model for Agreement
The Milton Model uses vague, universal statements to gain agreement. People naturally fill in the blanks with their own experiences, making them more likely to agree. Use phrases like:
“Many successful teams find that reducing meetings increases productivity.”
“It’s interesting how some companies are achieving more with fewer interruptions.”
This subtly associates fewer meetings with success and productivity, without directly challenging anyone.
4. Utilize the “As If” Frame
The “As If” frame asks someone to imagine a scenario as if it were already true, which helps them visualize its benefits. For example:
“What if we treated meetings as a last resort, only for critical decisions? How would that change the way we work?”
“Imagine a week with no unnecessary meetings—what could we accomplish?”
By encouraging visualization, you help them see the benefits of fewer meetings.
5. Reframe Objections
Objections are a natural part of any change. Reframing helps you turn objections into opportunities. For example:
Objection: “Meetings are how we stay aligned.”
Reframe: “I agree alignment is crucial. What if we found a way to align more efficiently, saving everyone time?”
Reframing aligns with their concerns while steering the conversation toward your desired outcome.
6. Use Chunking for Big Picture Thinking
Chunking is about adjusting the level of detail in a conversation. To convince others, zoom out to the bigger picture:
“When we think about the time spent in meetings each week, it’s easy to see how even small changes could lead to big productivity gains.”
“Let’s look at the bigger picture: how can we improve our workflow overall?”
This encourages people to consider broader improvements rather than focusing narrowly on individual meetings.
7. Leverage Rapport and Mirroring
Building rapport makes others more receptive to your ideas. Use mirroring to subtly match their tone, body language, and pace of speech. Once rapport is established, introduce your suggestions gently:
“I know how important collaboration is to you, and I think fewer, more focused meetings could make collaboration even stronger.”
When people feel understood, they’re more likely to listen and consider new ideas.
8. Plant Time-Based Suggestions
Use time-related language patterns to guide their thought process. For example:
“In just a few weeks, we could see how a shift in our approach to meetings impacts our productivity.”
“Over time, fewer meetings could give us all more breathing room to focus on what really matters.”
These phrases create a sense of immediacy and possibility, making it easier for them to imagine a different future.
9. Use Contrast to Highlight Inefficiency
Contrast is a powerful persuasion tool. Compare the current situation with an ideal alternative:
“Right now, we spend about 10 hours a week in meetings. What if we could cut that in half and gain five extra hours for focused work?”
“Our competitors are likely finding ways to streamline their workflows—what can we learn from that?”
Contrast makes the inefficiency of meetings more apparent without directly criticizing anyone.
10. Close with a Collaborative Suggestion
End your conversation by involving them in the solution. NLP emphasizes collaboration and shared ownership of ideas:
“How about we experiment with shorter meetings or alternatives like written updates for a month? Then we can evaluate how it impacts productivity.”
“Could we brainstorm ways to make meetings more impactful while freeing up time for deep work?”
When people feel part of the decision-making process, they’re more likely to support the change.
Conclusion: NLP as a Tool for Change
By using NLP techniques like framing, embedded commands, and the “As If” frame, you can influence how your boss and coworkers perceive meetings. The key is to be subtle, collaborative, and solution-focused. Rather than outright declaring meetings a waste of time, guide them to discover this realization on their own.
In the end, your goal isn’t just fewer meetings—it’s a more productive, engaged team. With NLP, you have the tools to make that happen.
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