Meeting effectiveness
Settle the "could this have been an email?" question with data.
Worth a look
- Why work doesn't happen at workJason Fried, TEDBasecamp's co-founder on why he calls meetings toxic, and what to try instead. (opens in a new tab)
- How to save the world (or at least yourself) from bad meetingsDavid Grady, TEDMindless Accept Syndrome: why we say yes to meetings with no agenda, and a polite way to stop. (opens in a new tab)
- 3 steps to turn everyday get-togethers into transformative gatheringsPriya Parker, TEDMost meetings fail before they start because nobody decided what they're for. A professional facilitator's fix. (opens in a new tab)
- Maker's Schedule, Manager's SchedulePaul GrahamWhy one 2pm meeting can wreck a whole afternoon for some people and cost others nothing. Explains a lot about who hates meetings. (opens in a new tab)
- Jeff Bezos on banning Powerpoint in meetings at AmazonLex Fridman Podcast ClipsAmazon meetings start with everyone silently reading a six-page memo. Bezos on why that beats slides. (opens in a new tab)
What's in the template
- This meeting was a good use of my time. puck
- The purpose was clear. puck
- The right people were in the room. puck
- We reached a decision or clear next step. puck
- This needed to be a meeting. puck
Questions about this template
When should I send it?
Right after the meeting, to everyone who attended. For a recurring meeting, send a fresh copy after several sessions in a row; the pattern across rounds tells you more than any one meeting.
What if 'This needed to be a meeting' lands low but 'good use of my time' does not?
Often people valued the content but not the format. Move the information parts to a written update, keep the meeting for decisions, and check whether 'reached a decision' holds up next time.