Make Meetings Worth the Time
An hour-long meeting with eight people uses a full workday of attention. That cost deserves a clear reason.
Before you send an invitation, write the purpose in one sentence. Are you making a decision, solving a problem, or sharing information that needs discussion? If an update can be read, send it in writing and give the time back.
Invite the people who are needed for that purpose and tell them how to prepare. Open by stating the outcome you want. Keep the conversation moving toward it, and draw out those who have not spoken, since they may hold the detail everyone else is missing.
Close by confirming what was decided, who owns each action, and when it is due. Send a short summary the same day. Every few weeks, ask the group what would make the meeting more useful, then adjust.
Try this week
Pick one recurring meeting. Write its purpose in a single sentence and share it with the group. If you cannot, consider whether the meeting is still needed.
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