How to Make Every Meeting Count

Ever found yourself mindlessly doodling or multitasking during yet another meandering meeting, wondering why you are even there.

How often are you invited to a meeting with a cast of thousands and spend the whole meeting wishing you were somewhere else.

If you've found yourself in similar situations, you're not alone. But here's what I've discovered: the problem isn't meetings themselves – it's our approach to decision-making within them.

The Real Problem with Meetings

Most meetings fail for a simple reason: we skip the fundamental question of "What decision are we trying to make?" Without this clarity, discussions wander, participants disengage, and valuable time evaporates.

When you empower your team to make decisions about meetings by applying simple rules it shifts the dynamic from passive to active engagement.

As a leader when I took the time to implement meeting principles with my team the entire dynamic shifted. What were meandering discussions suddenly had direction and purpose.

Meeting Principles

Here's what I've learned works:

Clarify the Purpose

• Before accepting a meeting, ask what decision needs to be made
• Determine if a meeting is actually the right channel
• Request an agenda with clear decision points
• Empower people to decline the meeting if these simple rules aren't met.

Frame the Discussion

• Start by stating the specific scope of the decision
• Define what's in and out of scope
• Set clear parameters for the conversation

Manage the "Advice Monster"

• Resist the urge to jump in with your own solutions
• Allow conversations to flow naturally
• Trust your team's ability to reach conclusions

Making It Work for You

To implement this framework:

Before the Meeting

• Question if you need to be there
• Ask for the specific decision being sought
• Review the agenda for decision points

During the Meeting

• Start by clarifying the decision scope
• Keep discussions focused on the defined parameters
• Document clear action items and decisions

After the Meeting

• Follow up on decisions made
• Evaluate if the meeting achieved its purpose
• Adjust your approach for next time

The Path Forward

Improving meeting effectiveness isn't about complex frameworks or rigid rules. It's about applying simple rules such as consistently asking the right questions and maintaining focus on actual decisions that need to be made.

Start with one simple practice: Before your next meeting, ask "What decision are we trying to make?" You might be surprised how this one question can transform your meeting culture from time-wasting to time-well-spent.

Remember, the goal isn't to eliminate meetings – it's to make them count. When you focus on meeting quality, you naturally create more productive, purposeful discussions that respect everyone's time and contribution.

Try this framework in your next meeting. You might find yourself actually looking forward to them – instead of searching for an escape route.

?? If you're interested in how I can help you develop leadership skills like this then check out my coaching program in the Featured Section of my LinkedIn profile now.