Are Meetings a Sunk Cost? Jamie Dimon Seems to Think So

Let’s be honest, meetings often feel like a productivity black hole. How many times have you found yourself clock-watching, waiting for one to finally wrap up? For many professionals, meetings multiply and drag on, often filled with distractions like phones or laptops. When JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon addresses the elephant in the room—unproductive meetings—it’s hard not to agree. Jamie Dimon’s annual shareholder letters aren’t your average corporate update. Like Warren Buffett’s, they go beyond financial results. They offer sharp, candid insights that spark discussions about current business practices. When Dimon talks about meetings, he gets to the heart of a widespread problem. Let’s take a closer look at what he means below.  

The Real Cost of Ineffective Meetings 

In his latest letter, Dimon delivered a powerful message: “Talk like you speak — get rid of the jargon.” He urged leaders and employees to communicate clearly and directly. He believes this approach fosters better understanding and efficiency, especially in meetings. Simplifying communication can make meetings more effective and help reduce misunderstandings.  

Dimon’s frustration with meetings resonates because it’s a challenge almost every professional faces. According to Microsoft research between 2020 and 2023, the number of Teams meetings tripled. But despite this, workers continue to complain about the inefficiency of virtual meetings. 55% of participants said the next steps at the end of meetings were unclear, and 56% found it difficult to summarize what happened. This results in employees working longer hours just to catch up on the actual tasks at hand, beyond attending these unproductive meetings. Dimon’s blunt take on the issue— “Kill meetings”—isn’t about eliminating communication but about cutting down on unnecessary meetings. Instead of scheduling long meetings for everything, consider if an email or a brief chat could achieve the same outcome. By doing this, you give people more time to focus on the tasks that truly matter. 

The Secret Ingredients for Productive Meetings 

Dimon emphasizes two simple but vital points for any meeting: “Start and end on time” and “Come prepared.” These principles are crucial in a world where time is scarce, especially in industries like finance, tech, and consulting. Meetings are a huge time investment—make them count. 

For professionals, being prepared means having read the agenda, understanding the key points, and being ready to engage in meaningful discussions. The result? A more efficient meeting that respects everyone’s time and leads to faster decision-making. Focus and Respect 

Transparency Over “Meeting After the Meeting” 

Another key observation Dimon makes is about the “meeting after the meeting.” This happens when someone privately shares what they didn’t want to say in front of the group. For Dimon, this lack of transparency is unacceptable and undermines team trust. It’s crucial that everyone is on the same page during the meeting, not afterward. 

As Beth Sherman, a communications consultant, aptly puts it, “If the people in your meeting are looking at their phones, at best, they’re only half-listening. I’d rather see leaders focused on treating the disease, not the symptoms.” This sentiment applies across industries—whether you’re a consultant, financial analyst, or tech professional. Clear, transparent communication in meetings fosters a stronger team dynamic and faster problem resolution. 

AI to the Rescue

While Dimon focuses on cutting distractions, AI can be a valuable tool for enhancing meeting efficiency. Various AI tools offer transcription services that not only summarize key points but also ensure no important detail is missed. Imagine a world where you can attend meetings without worrying about taking notes—leaving you free to engage, contribute, and stay present in the discussion. 

AI can also help in tracking action items, ensuring that everyone leaves with a clear understanding of next steps. By using AI, professionals can cut down on administrative overhead and focus on making decisions rather than managing logistics. 

Rethink Meetings for Greater Productivity

So, the next time you're planning a meeting, ask yourself: “Is this meeting really necessary?” If so, “how can you make it more efficient and impactful?” And let's be real—“Could this meeting have been an email?” If the answer is yes, maybe it’s time to rethink how you’re using everyone’s time. Are you addressing an important issue, or just filling the calendar with unnecessary tasks? Dimon’s advice may be tough to hear, but it’s exactly what we need to kickstart a culture of respect and efficiency in our professional environments. Think before you meet—your team (and your productivity) will thank you. Don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more such interesting takes. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more insights like this.