AOB: The Biggest Meeting Mistake (and How to Avoid It!)
What Does AOB Mean, and Why Can It Be a Pitfall?
You're familiar with this scenario: the meeting is nearly over, everyone is ready to wrap up, and then someone says, "Oh yes, any other business!" Suddenly, you're stuck in a half-hour discussion with no clear outcome.
The abbreviation AOB stands for "Any Other Business" and is often used as a catch-all for miscellaneous topics. Handy? Perhaps. But without a clear structure, it can become a real meeting killer. So, how can you make AOB work effectively?
Common Mistakes with AOB
🔴 Lack of structure – Everyone spontaneously brings up topics without clarity on who will handle what. .
🔴 Overlong discussions – A "small point" turns into an endless debate with no concrete outcome.
🔴 No minutes taken – Since these are ad-hoc topics, they often aren't properly documented.
🔴 No prioritization – Important topics receive too little time, while trivial matters get too much attention.
How to Use AOB Effectively
✅ Limit the topics – Discuss only truly urgent matters.
✅ Set a time limit – A maximum of 5 minutes per topic prevents endless conversations.
✅ Submit topics in advance – Use a shared document like Google Docs where participants can note AOB items.
✅ Formulate concrete action points – Don't just discuss the problem; immediately note a solution or action item.
By effective note-taking you ensure that all discussed topics are recorded and followed up on.
Alternatives to AOB
Looking for a smarter approach to miscellaneous agenda items? Try these alternatives:
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Roundtable – A brief agenda item where only quick questions are asked, without room for lengthy discussions.
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Separate brainstorming session – Gather miscellaneous topics and schedule a separate session for them.
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Online discussion platform – Use Slack, Teams, or a shared document for miscellaneous ideas and updates.
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Schedule a fixed time –
Why a Structured AOB Works Better
A smart approach to AOB prevents time-wasting and keeps the energy high. It ensures:
✨ Clearer action points
✨ Faster decision-making
✨ More focus in meetings
Frequently Asked Questions About AOB
🧐 What does the abbreviation AOB mean?
AOB stands for "Any Other Business" and is used as a catch-all for other agenda items.
🧐 What is the difference between AOB and the roundtable?
The roundtable is brief and intended for quick questions, while AOB often includes broader topics.
🧐 Is it wise to eliminate AOB from meetings?
That depends on the organization. If it consumes too much time and yields little, an alternative approach may work better.
🧐 How do you make AOB items minutable?
By introducing structure in advance and recording concrete action points, it's easier to accurately document the discussed topics.
🚀 With this approach, AOB becomes not chaos, but a valuable part of your meeting!