On this page, we're detailing how to create efficient, transparent, documentation-based meetings. These meetings are not exclusive to remote teams. They increase cohesion, discipline, and transparency in all meetings regardless of the work environment.
For a deeper dive on how GitLab thinks about and implements all facets of meetings in a remote work environment, visit our all-remote meetings guide.
Every work-related meeting should have a live doc agenda affixed to the calendar invite. To better understand how GitLab utilizes agenda docs, here's a templated example you can copy and use in your organization.
If you determine that a meeting is needed to move a project forward, address a blocker, or resolve a miscommunication, be sure to have an agenda and be disciplined about using it.
The GitLab Unfiltered video embedded above shares an overview of how Live Doc Meetings are used.
Establishing a culture where team members are cognizant that they work with others who may be in a different location, or unable to attend a meeting live, is critical. Documentation is a vital part of avoiding team dysfunction.
Improving your meeting hygiene can start by shifting to live doc meetings. It is a relatively simple step, and tends to create an understanding of the value of documentation. If you're looking for a place to start in capturing teamwide buy-in on documentation, consider adding agendas to all work-related meetings and insist on live documentation during them.
Not all meetings are inherently bad. We encourage managers to establish regular 1:1 meetings with their team, for example. Many meetings can be avoided by understanding how to work well asynchronously. GitLab has a documented approach to efficient, productive 1:1s that we welcome other companies to implement, and contribute to if they have suggestions for improvement.
Return to the main all-remote page.