So you're trapped in yet another meeting that's going absolutely nowhere. You're wondering how did this happen?
Here are the last warning signs I wanted to explore for BS meetings.
Someone hijacked the meeting to discuss their pet project that's completely unrelated.
Halfway through discussing screen reader compatibility, Dave from IT suddenly launches into his brilliant idea for some complex algorithm for automated AI colour contrast. And down the rabbit hole you all go. Dave just derailed the accessibility agenda for their completely unrelated passion project.
Not to worry. This one is simple to prevent. Have a proper agenda and someone willing to say "let's park that for later." Try "That's interesting Dave, but we've got 20 minutes left to sort out these WCAG violations. Could we schedule time separately for your idea?"
No follow-up from previous meetings' action items.
If last month you agreed Sarah would test the colour contrast and this month you get crickets, that's a red flag. No follow-up on action items is like accessibility debt. It just keeps piling up until your site's completely inaccessible.
Always start meetings reviewing previous actions and don't be afraid to ask "Sarah, how did the contrast testing go?" If there's radio silence, you've spotted a process problem that needs fixing before you tackle any new accessibility issues.
Having the meeting at an inconvenient time (like 4:30 PM on Friday).
I'm sorry, but no one wants this meeting. No one will be there mentally for this meeting. They'll all be thinking about the weekend. Accessibility needs sharp minds, not ones already planning weekend escapes. Push back on terrible timing. Accessibility work requires focus and you won't get proper attention when everyone's mentally checked out.
Discussing things that only affect 1-2 people while everyone else waits.
Nothing kills momentum like spending 15 minutes discussing complex code that only affect the developer who built that one obscure feature. When you spot this happening, suggest taking it offline: "This seems quite specific. Shall we continue this discussion separately so we can get back to the agenda for today?" Of course, that implies you have an agenda. So, always have an agenda seems like a good rule.
When it comes down to it, the best accessibility meetings are the ones that actually improve accessibility.
Everything else is just expensive small talk.