Make Stealing Time a Crime

Warren Buffett famously shared his calendar with Bill Gates, and it was practically empty. Why? Because Buffett fiercely guards his time, knowing that “people will take your time if you let them.” We should follow Buffett’s lead and do the same. Many organizations now recognize that time is our most valuable resource; you’ll never get it back. So let’s stop wasting it and be more mindful about how we take it away from others without thinking.

At Kickstarter, they took this concept to heart and made “time crime” a part of their culture change. Scheduling a meeting became a last resort, reserved only for when there was a truly good reason to meet. If you want to pull people away from their valuable work, you better have a compelling case. This shift not only respects individuals' time but also fosters a culture of accountability and efficiency.

At NBC, we’ve learned that fewer participants lead to more productive discussions. Meetings include the minimal number of people necessary. By keeping meetings lean, we create an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully without the distraction of unnecessary attendees.

At Atlassian, teams evaluate whether meetings are necessary and keep them lean. If it’s just a status update, they’ll use Slack instead. This emphasis on valuing time has led to more focused discussions and less wasted effort.

Even at Google, teams have created guidelines to ensure meetings are productive and to discourage unnecessary gatherings. Employees know that stealing time is frowned upon, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to speak up if a meeting isn’t needed.

By prioritizing time and making it clear that unnecessary meetings are a no-go, you cultivate a culture that values efficiency and respect. Let’s take a stand against stealing time and focus on what truly matters for our teams.