Let’s be honest: most meetings are painful.
They start late, run long, and leave people wondering why they were even invited.
The truth is, bad meetings don’t just waste time — they drain energy, kill momentum, and cost companies millions in lost productivity.
But here’s the good news: with a few simple shifts, you can turn meetings from time-wasters into powerful alignment tools.
Why Meetings Usually Suck
- No clear agenda → People show up unsure of the purpose.
- Wrong people in the room → Too many attendees, or not enough decision-makers.
- Poor facilitation → Conversations wander, no one keeps things on track.
- No decisions made → Everyone leaves unclear on next steps.
Sound familiar?
What Great Meetings Look Like
- Start and End on Time
Respect people’s calendars. A 60-minute meeting shouldn’t turn into 90. - Have a Clear Agenda
Send it in advance. Keep it short. Every item should have a goal. - Right People, Right Room
Invite only those who need to be there. Share notes with everyone else. - Drive to Decisions
Meetings aren’t for endless discussion. They’re for making decisions and assigning next steps. - Follow Up
Every meeting should end with clear owners, deadlines, and accountability.
The Hidden ROI of Better Meetings
When you run meetings well, you:
- Free up hours of wasted time
- Build trust by respecting people’s schedules
- Move projects forward faster
- Keep A-players engaged instead of frustrated
Meetings don’t have to suck.
They can be the heartbeat of your business — but only if you design them with intention.
Clear agenda. Right people. Start on time. End on time.
Simple shifts that change everything.
Want to master meetings and transform them from wasted time into high-impact sessions?
Check out my training program Invest in Your Leaders — a 6-hour practical course where your team learns 12 core leadership skills, including how to run meetings that actually work.
