Elon Musk once said meetings are a waste of time: 5 leadership lessons every professional can learn

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, time is one of the most valuable currencies. Yet, countless hours are lost in endless meetings that achieve little and drain energy. Elon Musk, the maverick CEO behind Tesla and SpaceX, has long challenged the traditional corporate playbook, reminding professionals that efficiency is not just a buzzword, but a mindset.

His approach to meetings, in particular, has sparked conversations across industries, revealing lessons that every professional can adopt to lead smarter, not harder.Whether you’re an entry-level employee or a CEO, understanding how to manage your attention can define your career trajectory.

Respect time as a leadership asset

In a 2018 email to Tesla employees, Musk wrote: “Walk out of a meeting or drop off a call as soon as it is obvious you aren’t adding value.

It is not rude to leave; it is rude to make someone stay and waste their time.” This simple principle reframes time as an asset. Leaders who honour their own schedules, and those of their teams, signal that every minute counts. Productivity grows when everyone focuses on tasks that truly matter.

Empower employees to make decisions

By encouraging team members to leave meetings when irrelevant, Musk promotes autonomy. Professionals no longer need to wait for permission to protect their time.

This culture of empowerment fosters accountability and encourages employees to prioritize meaningful contributions over rote participation.It also cultivates confidence: employees learn to trust their own judgment and make decisions that drive results, which ultimately strengthens the organisation’s resilience and adaptability.

Challenge outdated norms

For decades, staying in a meeting was seen as a sign of respect or commitment.

Musk turns this notion on its head, showing that blind adherence to tradition can hinder progress. Leaders who question the status quo, whether in meetings, reporting structures, or workflows, create environments where innovation thrives. Challenging conventions also signals to teams that questioning assumptions is not only allowed but encouraged, fostering a culture of critical thinking and continuous improvement.

Focus on outcomes, not appearances

Musk’s philosophy is a reminder to constantly ask: Is this interaction driving impact, or just filling time? Professionals who prioritise outcomes over appearances can allocate energy where it truly counts, on projects, decisions, and strategies that move the needle.This mindset also encourages clearer communication, sharper goal-setting, and measurable progress, turning every interaction into an opportunity for real impact.

Build a culture of efficiency

When top leaders like Musk model these behaviours, the effect ripples throughout the organisation. Teams learn that efficiency, clarity, and relevance are not optional, they are expected. Over time, this creates a workplace culture where every meeting, message, and milestone aligns with the company’s goals.Such a culture not only improves productivity but also increases employee satisfaction, as team members feel their time is valued and their contributions truly matter.

The takeaway for every professional

Elon Musk’s meeting mantra is more than a corporate quirk, it is a philosophy that elevates leadership and productivity. Respect time, empower teams, question norms, measure impact, and nurture efficiency. Adopting even a few of these lessons can transform the way professionals lead, collaborate, and achieve results.In an era where the pace of work never slows, Musk’s guidance is a timely reminder: The most successful leaders don’t just work hard, they work smart.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.