What is a common obstacle to effective meetings?

A common obstacle to effective meetings is the presence of unclear objectives leading to confusion among participants. When meeting objectives are not clearly defined, participants may have different interpretations of the purpose and desired outcomes of the meeting. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings, unproductive discussions, and ultimately, failure to reach consensus or make decisions. It can also cause participants to feel frustrated or disengaged, as they may not see how their contributions are relevant to the meeting's goals.

In contrast, when objectives are clear, participants can focus their discussions effectively, leading to a more organized and productive meeting. The other options highlight conditions that generally contribute positively to meetings, rather than presenting obstacles. When participants have ample time to discuss topics that are clearly understood and agreed upon, and when time is used well with a managed agenda, the likelihood of a successful meeting significantly increases.