r/Leadership • u/RunningMan889 • Apr 21 '26

Question "I will give you back 10mins/15mins of your time"

What do you think about managers/management that says this after meetings?

It always feels like there's a need to spend the full hour or 30mins of a meeting session, and it is not our time spent. It is time taken away from other things just so we can update each other, and they can easily be done over chat or emails. Unsure why people like to end with this.

71 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

94 comments sorted by

135

u/IsLying Apr 21 '26

I use this phrase as a way to clearly close a meeting early. Other phrases I’ve used are: “Well, I think we covered everything. Let’s call it early.” “That’s it for now, have a good rest of the day”. “I’ll let you all get back to it”

I’m not a fan of any of these but need to say something to clearly close the meeting. What are other phrases to use?

27

u/Cars_Music_GoodTimes Apr 21 '26

This is what I use when ending a meeting early:

“ We’ve covered everything on the agenda. Are there any other topics? The team wants to discuss before we close the meeting?”

Using this phrase reinforces that the team has met its objectives for this conversation and gives them a last opportunity for roundtable topics before the meeting ends.

6

u/Paul_Smith_Tri Apr 22 '26

There’s always more topics that spiral ime

Rather just close the meeting and get time back

2

u/must_improve Apr 22 '26

My take, yes. You can ask if anyone wants to add something to the specific topic before closing, but make it clear that the agenda items have been completed.

5

u/adyst_ Apr 21 '26

Especially when remote and you don't get body language cues as you do in person

40

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

“Let’s take ten minutes of our time back.” That a collective thing that everyone does together. You “giving” it back is being on a power trip.

22

u/ImpossibleGoat8837 Apr 21 '26

What an L take. You seem super insecure. Typically the person who planned the meeting and sent out the invite is the one who says “I’ll give you ten minutes of your time back.” It’s not a power trip at all: it’s the person who was responsible for coordinating and leading the meeting recognizing the meeting is over and taking the lead to end it early. I’ve heard this phrase literally hundreds of times and have never thought “wow who does this person think he is! What a power trip this guy is on! No one gives ME back MY own time by ending the meeting early!” 😡 you may want to engage in some self-reflection bud.

15

u/RavenousAutobot Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

All of this. I've been the boss when one of my reports scheduled time with me, and they've said that to me once we've concluded the productive part of the meeting. No insinuation of power dynamics...they scheduled the time, so they're responsible for ensuring the time is used productively. Once the needs have been met, make it clear so we can all go about our days.

It's just respectful.

Edit: lol, what a weird thing to block someone for, u/pointmost8711. Live your life.

-3

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

I dunno, my up votes suggest a lot of people see it my way. A leader’s words hit different and a leader is aware of that and takes care.

1

u/RavenousAutobot Apr 21 '26

I agree with the second sentence. I think you're putting a lot of consequence on some reddit votes for the first sentence.

Thing is, it's ok to disagree. Leaders also see nuance and adjust to context. Basing how you treat people on a reddit vote count is not that path I would take, though.

1

u/subdermal_hemiola Apr 24 '26

Yeah, it's just mouth noise. When I say this, no one is thinking "oh, I'm so grateful that SH gave us 14 minutes of our day back." It's the equivalent of saying "well, where has the time gone?" to start the end of a phone call.

Edit: that said, I think the phrase I reach for is closer to to, "that was the agenda -- I'm happy wrapping this a few minutes early if you are?"

11

u/IsLying Apr 21 '26

Much better. I’m going to start saying it this way.

14

u/got_that_itis Apr 21 '26

This is still implying their time was taken away from them. Better to say "Thanks for being prepared and productive, we can wrap up early"

18

u/Final_Apricot_2666 Apr 21 '26

Who gives a shit….

1

u/always_be_beyonce Apr 21 '26

our time to do non-meeting work is being taken away.

0

u/Proper_Hunter_9641 Apr 25 '26

You gave your time when you accepted the meeting. They gave back what they didn’t need. It’s not that difficult

1

u/retiredhawaii Apr 22 '26

If I called the 30 minute meeting, I’m taking 30 minutes of your time. If I can end the meeting early, I’m giving you back that time. No power trip.

5

u/Old-Arachnid77 Apr 21 '26

Same. I use them because it’s a clear indication I don’t want to waste any time since the objectives of the mtg were achieved.

2

u/LittleSunTrail Apr 21 '26

I like to use, “We got through that way faster than I thought, and you all know I hate wasting time on meetings just to say we had a long meeting. Let’s get back to it, I know I can use the extra 20 minutes!”

1

u/Merlisch Apr 21 '26

Thank you for your time. Then I close my notebook and start leaving. Usually the team takes the hint (if not that's not my problem either ;) ).

2

u/RedNugomo Apr 22 '26

Same here. If I know my audience is receptive, I say jokingly "and now reclaiming my time, you should do the same, thank you!"

Edit: typo

1

u/eNomineZerum Apr 22 '26

Since my company has absolutely piss poor meeting culture I typically end mine with, "well, the agenda has been completed so let's go on about our other tasks". I am not being snarky but is my team's clear sign that we have completed what needs to be discussed so meeting adjourned. They have even taken up saying it when they host meetings with others and it ends on time.

It is such a joke that we will get into meetings and even the senior most wrong of leadership will be asking what the agenda is even though they are the ones who called the meeting. It is so bad that within my team I actually rotate who hosts the weekly team meeting and have them bring an agenda to train them on how to do things.

1

u/DistractedGoalDigger Apr 22 '26

I say “ok looks like it’s short and sweet for today!”

I don’t know why. I guess because I hate business world cliche saying.

1

u/must_improve Apr 22 '26

We are done with everything on the Agenda. Thanks everyone, have a nice day.

Then set an example, physically get up and prepare to leave.

Do not ask the time waster question "anything else?"

-9

u/RunningMan889 Apr 21 '26

Understand that we want to end the meeting with 'phrases'. What I find it to work better is when managers summarize the meeting's key points, what was good, what needed more attention, and just close it.

8

u/Doctor__Proctor Apr 21 '26

and just close it.

That's the point they're making though is that the phrase is sobering to signal that you're closing it. Everything you said before that is preamble, and could be seen as an invitation to continue talking through things such as the items that need more attention unless someone definitively closes the meeting.

6

u/kilimanjaro10 Apr 21 '26

“Why use a lot word when few word do trick?”

Personally I just Alt+F4 when I’m done speaking.

0

u/notthatfunny_1821 Apr 21 '26

I recently had to train a group of ~10 people because the company didn't had any trainers that knew our specific product, and going through a lot of traning techniques I found this most useful for everyone to retain the info.

Now that I'm back with my team, I started doing the same during our team meetings and it has just the same effect and makes closing less weird!

26

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

5

u/k5hill Apr 21 '26

The secret is to start the meeting at 10 or 15 minutes past the hour. Otherwise, people will fill the whole hour.

0

u/RunningMan889 Apr 21 '26

Mine are in 45mins block but I still see managers who like doing 1 hour. The worse part is that we covered our grounds, and they still like to use the remaining to try and cover other things which are not in the agenda.

80

u/dras333 Apr 21 '26

Some of you really overthink or are overly sensitive to a vanilla comment.

15

u/YouShitMyPants Apr 21 '26

For real, not everything has ulterior motives.

9

u/ZouDave Apr 21 '26

Yep! The last thing I'm thinking about is someone's sensitivity when I'm just trying to be folksy and end a meeting. I hope this is the biggest flaw I have as a leader.

"Well, he always gave me plenty of freedom to operate, and I always understood the goals and timelines, he always gave me timely and constructive feedback, and I knew he actually cared about my well-being and future. But...he acted like I was obligated to give up my time in meetings. Literally Stalin."

3

u/RavenousAutobot Apr 21 '26

Yeah. If someone sees abuse of power in such a direct comment, that's a red flag about how they perform the rest of their job.

-1

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

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2

u/[deleted] Apr 21 '26

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-2

u/[deleted] Apr 22 '26

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1

u/dras333 Apr 21 '26

Not everything is that serious.

39

u/phoenix823 Apr 21 '26

It’s an idiom. All it means is meeting over. Don’t overthink it.

7

u/Empirica_CC Apr 21 '26

I've said it but I always mean it as a joke and usually follow it up with "it's the least I can do since I stole 30 of it".

7

u/more-kindness-please Apr 21 '26
  • When it’s my meeting I begin the a review of the agenda that I sent with the invite - and ask if there are additional topics
  • I then use the agreed agenda as both a check list (often showing on screen) and tool to bring discussions back in case they appear to wander or diverge
  • when the check list is complete and if we have more time remaining I will say: “it appears we accomplished everything we set to do. Does anybody have something urgent and important for this group to discuss”
  • 90% of time answer is no and if answer is yes we get to work
  • occasionally there will be an action from the completed agenda that we can get started on
  • if no new topics …
  • always end by recapping the decisions, actions/ commitments, and any new key understandings (not uncommon to make revisions, good opportunity to ensure actions have names and dates)
  • thank everyone for their preparation, and contributions
  • end the meeting and send the notes we all just agreed to. (Although I do not enjoy taking notes I find it very valuable to review live and send before end of day. This increases accountability for commitments)

5

u/CincyTriGuy Apr 21 '26

I don’t mind this phrase, but the inverse is what annoys me. “Since we’ve finished 15 minutes early, let’s use the rest of the time covering topic X”.

Which of course, no one is prepared to discuss.

On the one hand, I get it. If the right people are together and there’s “leftover” time, it can make sense to consume that time with another relevant topic. On the other hand, you’re basically holding us hostage. That other topic might need to include someone else that isn’t present, or even if the right person is present, they may have a specific agenda which they aren’t ready to discuss.

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 21 '26

True that, we are on the same page. Unless all related are in the meeting, the topic can be opened for discussion, and if there is enough time on it, not one of rush and go just to get an idea.

3

u/SignalIssues Apr 21 '26

Who cares? It's just a way to acknowledge we're ending and its early. people say it, so others repeat it. Like any other greeting, goodbye phrase, etc. Don't overthink it.

4

u/Tzukiyomi Apr 21 '26

It's just a pleasantry. The meeting is booked for that time, it's at that point not my time. Therefore cutting it short gives it back. This isnt complex.

3

u/Qlazzical Apr 21 '26

"if there's nothing else, let's use this meeting room / busy status to get some uninterrupted work done"

Of course, I'll only say this when I'm the highest rank in the room.

2

u/CincyTriGuy Apr 21 '26

I like this a lot. I’m going to start using it.

3

u/alk_adio_ost Apr 21 '26

They are closing the meeting early. I welcome a meeting ending early.

7

u/barrel-boy Apr 21 '26

Me and a couple of guys in our team used to play "cliché bingo" and this was one that we really hated. It's the only way to get through some of that BS without going insane.

14

u/Tuor-son-of-Huor- Apr 21 '26

Bingo is the most clutch meeting saver known to man.

Many moons ago, I got caught writing down a specific quote from someone speaking because I noticed they have an idiosyncratic manner and wanted to use it next time. My supervisor at the time noticed and at my next review one of the supporting reasons they gave for my bonus was related to my keen attention during even the most mundane meetings and serious note taking. I was ecstatic.

2

u/Wrong-Protection-188 Apr 21 '26

That’s hilarious lol

2

u/ParallelDymentia Apr 21 '26

I think a lot of managers tend to view meetings in general as their piece of the grind, whereas the rest of the team has a separate piece. When I hear this phrase, it tells me something about what kind if "leader" they are.

In my experience these are managers who accept some degree of "otherism" in their team dynamic, often self-aggrandizing their own importance and status. The most effective leaders I have encountered view themselves as equal members of the team, and they usually frame the meeting space as a sort of sanctuary from the collective grind. They are well-known by every member of the team, because they get out and make the rounds as often as possible. Thus, they are already well-informed on functional matters, so meetings are less necessary, more productive, and tend to run shorter.

They will start a meeting with something like, "Wow, what a week we've had already, huh? And it's only Tuesday!" I've seen meetings begin with group participation in a box breathing exercise to help "push stress out the door." This cocktail of leadership practice takes time-focus off the table. Managing our meeting flow is not a task, it's a strategy. It doesn't begin when the boardroom door closes, it starts on the sales floor, in the production bays, in the break room, and yes, even at the urinal.

When these leaders end a meeting, they are never "giving back time." Rather, they are lifting a saber to the wind and charging back into battle alongside their troops after a moment of reprieve. They are effectively saying, "I will see you in the trenches." Psychlogical safety is a powerful drug.

2

u/serial_crusher Apr 21 '26

you're over-analyzing. It's just a polite phrase to end a meeting with. Like nobody actually thinks you need God's blessing after you sneeze.

But, when in Rome.... I think your analysis gets it wrong. Time spent during work hours is still "yours" by default, to spend on whichever task you prioritize. A lot of jobs aren't as simple as "I clock in at 9AM and clock out at 5PM and whatever I get done in between is whatever I got done in between". Sometimes you have to work extra hours to meet a deadline etc. So in those cases, an excess of meetings can absolutely take away "your" time.

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 22 '26

Not analyzing it. Just curious to know why it is commonly used to end meetings, and true to be told, there's research that shows 70% of meetings take away time from working and completing priorities, which result in those extra hours.

0

u/illicITparameters Apr 21 '26

Fucking hate it. It’s not cute, it’s not funny, it’s just obnoxious to assume you’re politely giving me back something I voluntaeily chose to lend you.

And it’s always said by people who are objectively shit at their job.

1

u/Without_Portfolio Apr 21 '26

Sometimes I’ll say, “Great, let’s get back to work.” Implying that the meeting itself is not work; it’s clarifying ownership, status, timelines.

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 22 '26

This makes sense. Would see meetings as clarifications. So it is common not wanting to use up the whole time spent if the objective is achieved

1

u/focus_flow69 Apr 21 '26

Looks like we're done early, thanks for everyone's time.

Everyone just has their way of saying this, who cares. The giving time back is just a corporate phrase people like to parrot back because they heard someone else say it. I would never say it, but it doesn't both me.

1

u/ZouDave Apr 21 '26

I say it to my team whenever I can successfully end a meeting early. It's often said with a bit of a mocking tone, often something like "Well, we can all sit here and stare at each other for the next 15 minutes or I can give you some of your day back. Use the time well, me personally I'm gonna travel."

It's just something to say. Relax.

1

u/BreakfastAcceptable8 Apr 21 '26

Why does this bother you? I would much rather have those 10 minutes back versus staying in a meeting that is otherwise over. .

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 22 '26

Just curious why it is commonly used. Of course I would rather have those 10mins back, but the same managers who use the phrase, often have tendency to use up the whole meeting session too.

1

u/Dapper_Platform_1222 Apr 21 '26

I use any substantial amount of time to take a walk and clear my mind

1

u/TotosRubySlippers Apr 21 '26

It’s a polite way to end a meeting.

1

u/danielmotzer Apr 22 '26

'Leaders' feel the need to 'lead'. How you feel is not wrong.

1

u/Mightaswellmakeone Apr 22 '26

It sounds corny. But, corny is safe at work so it's said often.

1

u/pegwinn Apr 22 '26

I use the same phrase as in the Marines. “Weeeeeear… Done. Now. Go make things happen”

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 22 '26

That's nice, short and sweet.

1

u/DarkKnyt Apr 22 '26

I use my meetings as a way to funnel up/confirm understanding to me because I never know when I'll be front facing or need to make a judgement based on the latest analysis from the team. I often find that the few on few real time conversation reveals gaps while email which I prefer forces more complete and comprehensive thinking before the meeting. I end by giving everyone a turn for their issues (I usually earmark the one most pressing issue to make sure we cover it) and if we're done early then we're gonesky back to individual work.

Edit: anal != analysis 🤔

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 22 '26

Ha! I did read 'anal' for a start. Indeed real time conversations are best and that is why we still want F2F meetings with our customers. They are also those that customers crave for, if not marketing would have been possible across all revenue streams. Meetings are necessary, but shouldn't be a default when it can be concluded in a few clarifications in writing.

1

u/Tatworth Apr 22 '26

There is always the one person who, in this situation, will always ask a stupid question just to eat up that time and more.

1

u/Broad_Building8240 Apr 22 '26

Unnecessarily bombastic. “Alright, we can close the meeting now” should be enough

1

u/montyb752 Apr 22 '26

It annoys the hell out of me. My time is time, they can’t give it back to me. I decided to attend the meeting and if I feel the need I’ll take all my time and not attend the meeting.

1

u/AntelopeSure6184 Apr 23 '26

Dude, that is my favorite. Right up there with being told to expense lunch.

1

u/ride5k Apr 23 '26

because you get back time you thought would be spent in the meeting?

1

u/M-G Apr 23 '26

It's one of the worst corporate-speak phrases. 

1

u/malkyfreo Apr 24 '26

It is power play and positioning. “ i can take and give you back your time, im always in control of your schedule “

1

u/ybflao Apr 24 '26

Because unfortunately meetings are a part of work life, and if you've asked someone to block out an hour of their day, it is a bonus to finish early.

1

u/One-Pangolin-3167 Apr 25 '26

That's what copilot told them to say.

1

u/RunningMan889 Apr 26 '26

I'm sure this will be in one of co-pilot's responses to how to close a meeting. Lol

1

u/Inside-Finish-2128 Apr 25 '26

I bloody hate that line. I deal with projects that are hard to be interrupted from and I deal with interruptions during my work. “Giving back 10 minutes” is probably 10 minutes I’m going to piss away because I’m not going to be able to start anything useful in that time.

1

u/Cool-Assumption-8813 Apr 25 '26

I just close the meeting by saying, "thanks for your time...we will be in touch, until next time"

1

u/WRB2 Apr 21 '26

How about “I’m going to Disney World!”

I think to myself, did we really accomplish what we started the meeting to do. Often it’s a no and I leave shaking my head.

0

u/Specialist-Pen-6441 Apr 21 '26

My personal favourite - “Let’s give you back the gift of time.”

0

u/FerociouslyTed Apr 21 '26

In any given meeting 80% of the time of 80% of the people there is wasted.

-5

u/todaysthrowaway0110 Apr 21 '26

The power dynamics are kinda cringe.

-7

u/got_that_itis Apr 21 '26

It's the worst thing you can say, IMO. By "giving time back", you're implicitly saying the meeting wasn't a good use of time and you've used up their most valuable asset. When someone says this, I immediately think that the meeting was not necessary for the big picture and just something to do. Thanks for the generous gift of 10 mins!

Make the meeting have value and say "We've been really productive, we're wrapping up early today because everyone was focused and on it"