In organizational communications, nothing causes a more negative response than the word, “meeting.” Meetings never seem to happen at a convenient time, they usually go on longer than they're supposed to, and they often accomplish frustratingly little. Intranets can help.

A good organizational intranet can both decrease the number of meetings and enhance the value of the ones that you have.

Intranets started off as very private intra-organizational connections points, usually confined to the building, so to speak. Now they refer to any means that people in a group can communicate and share in s structured, secure environment. Think Facebook for your team only.

Time-shifting

Intranets allow groups to time-shift their activities. Members can learn and contribute when and where it's convenient for them and not at the convenience of the group. They can plan their time better.

Everything is documented

Everyone in the group who participates in the intranet is documenting progress because they are writing down their contribution. In addition all of work material is searchable. Sure beats filing cabinets full of illegible notes. People spend a lot less time digging for stuff that meetings produce.

All kinds of media available

Never hear, “Can I get a copy of that?” At most, “Is it on the intranet?” The intranet can store a lot more than text. Images, photos, video, presentations, anything that and be stored electronicly can be stored and retrieved on the intranet. Members can get their hands on it whenever they need it.

Future meetings enhanced by intranets

With a good intranet, the meetings that do take place are fewer and more productive. The team is better informed and more up-to-date.

The most productive communications take place when people are up to the same knowledge level. A good intranet keeps everyone informed and is perhaps the best vehicle today for getting the hive mind of a team way out ahead of the competition.