"Meetings are where the real work of teams gets done. If you want a great team, build great meetings."

~ Elise Keith

Whether you love them or hate them, meetings are a ubiquitous part of work life. But if you find yourself counting down the minutes, multitasking, or wondering why it couldn’t have just been an email, it might be time for a meeting makeover.

A meeting makeover is a simple, intentional reset to realign around the why of your meetings and make them more energizing, purposeful, and (dare we say) enjoyable. Here are a few ways to make your meetings work for you, not against you:

• Get clear on the purpose. Ask everyone: Why are we meeting? To avoid groupthink, have each person write their answer on a sticky note and flip them at the same time. If the answers don’t align, start by identifying common themes. If nothing emerges, head back to the drawing board.
• Name your meeting. Names signal purpose and set expectations. If a meeting is called Brainstorming, but we spend it discussing tactical issues, the creative part of me won’t show up. Give it a name that invites the mindset you want in the room.
• Agree on how you build the agenda. Some people swear by detailed agendas. Others wing it. There’s no one right way, so find what works for your team. For example, in our practice, we cover the same high-level areas each week (clients, operations, marketing), but tailor the specifics based on what’s transpiring.
• Don’t overload a single meeting. Big-picture strategy deserves its own space. If something feels too complex or gnarly, schedule a separate meeting to give it the attention it deserves.
• Embrace JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out). Treat meeting invites like invitations, not obligations. Ask yourself: Am I the right person for this? If not, maybe someone else on your team is. Leaders, this one’s especially for you.
• Be mindful of rotating facilitators. While it’s tempting to share the load, not everyone has the same knack for running effective meetings. If you rotate, provide support and structure, or stick with what plays to your team’s strengths.
• End with clarity. Always take 5 minutes to confirm: What was decided? Who’s doing what? By when?
• Stay in the beta. Nothing has to be permanent. Try something new for 90 days. Learn, adjust, and course-correct as you go.

One truth we’ve learned again and again: one person’s ‘good’ meeting habit might drive someone else bananas. That’s okay. What matters is that you start the conversation and find what works for your team.

Want to redesign your team’s meetings?

Meetings are one of our favorite ways to help teams unlock clarity and build momentum. Let us bring our meeting magic to your team. Reach out to schedule a strategy call.

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The Serviceberry invites us to reimagine life through the lens of reciprocity and relationship. Drawing from ecology, Indigenous knowledge, and personal story, Robin Wall Kimmerer offers a case for valuing connection over consumption and an invitation to build systems rooted in care, generosity, and mutual flourishing. A beautiful read for anyone rethinking how we exchange, give, and grow together.

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Join us at The Encounter from 5-7pm on May 7 for an evening of connection & networking.

Together with Tina Macon of AllMac & Associates and WBEC-ORV, we're hosting a spring connect event to focus on how we lead through tumultuous times.