Meeting After The Meeting (MATM): when discussions go off the record

 

I recently came across articles discussing Meeting After The Meeting (MATM) in the MIT Sloan Management Review (May 2024) and the Wall Street Journal (April 2024). The concept caught my attention because it mirrors a common reality in many organizations: after formal meetings, people often gather informally to discuss what was deliberated. These post-meeting chats, whether brief or extensive, are a natural extension of organizational dynamics where formal processes are often complemented by informal interactions.

From my personal experience, this phenomenon is all too familiar. I once participated in a group meeting focused on crafting a strategic move. After the official discussion ended, some of us bumped into each other later completely unplanned and ended up revisiting the key points from the meeting. During this informal exchange, the strategic issues were discussed in a more relaxed manner, and decisions were clarified in ways that hadn’t been possible during the formal meeting.

However, as the strategy began to be implemented, I noticed something strange everyone seemed hesitant and disengaged. The understanding reached in the post-meeting discussion had somehow diverged from what was agreed upon in the formal setting. This disconnect highlighted just how influential MATM can be, sometimes altering the course of decisions in unintended ways.

Why Is Meeting After The Meeting (MATM) Important?

1.    Seeking Clarity and Understanding
MATM often serves as an opportunity for employees to clarify points raised during formal meetings. These informal settings allow individuals to ask questions, process information, and make sense of complex topics in a way that resonates with them.

2.    Sharing Unfiltered Opinions
In MATM, people often express themselves more openly than they might in a formal meeting. This freedom to speak without constraints can lead to honest feedback, candid conversations, and a better understanding of team dynamics.

3.    Fostering Collaboration
These after-meeting discussions can spark collaborative problem-solving. People brainstorm, exchange ideas, and explore alternative approaches that may not have surfaced during the structured meeting.

The Flip Side of MATM

While MATM can have positive outcomes, it’s not always beneficial. In some organizations, it can become a tool for micromanagers to consolidate their influence. These managers may use MATM to meet with their inner circle or loyalists, excluding others from crucial follow-up conversations. Such behaviour can create team divisions, alienate certain members, and undermine trust.

Final Thoughts

MATM is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can foster clarity, collaboration, and creativity. On the other hand, it can be a breeding ground for exclusion and manipulation, especially in organizations where micromanagers thrive. To harness the benefits of MATM while mitigating its risks, leaders must remain vigilant, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in all forms of formal and informal communication.