1851

<p>I have heard it hundreds of times: “We have too many meetings!”This is not just a symptom of our company – it’s almost every company. And when the ‘too many meetings’ reminder comes up, there’s often a meeting to discuss it. Meetings aren’t bad, so long as they come with a purpose. In order to create efficiency in meetings, here’s what I would recommend:</p><h4>Create Meeting Deliverables and Purpose</h4><p>Rather than starting with a meeting time, start with a meeting purpose. What do you want to accomplish out of the set meeting? I like to think in headlines. We are meeting because of [INSERT ANSWER]. We are meeting because we need to discuss issue X, plan strategy Y, solve problem Z. Meeting just to meet can be effective on occasion, particularly when it comes to human-to-human interaction, but when you set a purpose, you have a better chance of feeling great about the outcome.</p><p>Speaking of outcome, what happens when you leave every meeting with a deliverable? Mid-last year, we started including a to-do item with our weekly leadership meeting. This to-do had to be accomplished in the next week. By doing so, we each had a specific deliverable to put into action by the next week.</p><p>The first challenge we encountered with this was accountability. To-do list items would go on, but at the next meeting, they wouldn’t come off. Then, the expectation was set firmly: If you haven’t completed that task, leave the meeting.</p><p>The beauty of the to-do list item is that it is completely up to the person naming it. Thus, the items turned into things our team knew they could win at. And, as a group, we won at deliverables.</p><h4>Set an Agenda for the Meeting</h4><p>We have moved to a very simple agenda that resembles most of what Gino Wickman writes about in “Traction.” This agenda is easy to follow and continues to evolve as the weeks go on. Having an agenda will keep meetings focused and more on schedule, especially if you put time stamps on when to move to the next item.</p><p>A meeting without an agenda can go over time. And when you surpass the time allocated, it can put stress on the rest of the day. Agendas give you a fighting chance to keep things moving forward.</p><h4>Bring Value to the Meeting</h4><p>If you don’t bring value to a meeting, why come to a meeting? There have been plenty of meetings where I look around the room and see non-contributors. Sure, they could be more inclined to intake information than anything else, which is OK most of the time, but every meeting attendee should look to find a way to add value to the conversation being had. Let the room know you are there to move the bus forward. By bringing value, you increase the chance of making the meetings you attend more valuable. More valuable meetings rarely turn into frustration because you walk out feeling good.</p><p>To bring value, you can also be proactive. Don’t just regurgitate what happened in the last week – bring something new. Show that you are adding value – whether internal (team) or external (client). Make everyone attending see why they work with you.</p><h4>Establish a Strong Opening and Closing</h4><p>This is something we will continue to work on.</p><p>Think about a team sport huddled up. “Ready, break!” With everyone clapping together – or an all-hands-in-the-middle moment. Some of our meetings start with good news to set the tone positively. Some end awkwardly. Great beginnings and great endings will make the meeting roll better.</p>

Nick Powills: Want Fewer Meetings? Let’s Have A Meeting About It.

1851 Franchise

Meetings don’t have to be useless time sucks if you define their purpose and invest in making them productive.

nick-powills-want-fewer-meetings-lets-have-a-meeting-about-it

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat vehicle with ladders on top

The Rise of Home Improvement Franchises: Why Now Is the Time to Invest

why-invest-home-improvement-franchise-fresh-coat

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam inspector in red polo and khaki pants, walking by branded vehicle

Real Estate Today: Behind the Drywall: The Truth About Home Inspections

purpose-of-home-inspection

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite Franchise - DTE - National Service Dog Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating Service Dogs: Why Proper Training Changes Lives — And How Dog Training Elite Is Leading the Way

dog-training-elite-national-service-dog-month

Senior Care Authority

How This Senior Care Authority Franchisee Turned Love for His Grandparents Into a Lifelong Calling

how-this-senior-care-authority-franchisee-turned-love-for-his-grandparents-into-a-lifelong-calling

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Design with American and Federal Reserve flags against light blue background

Federal Reserve Expected To Cut Rates by Quarter Point, a Move That Could Boost Franchise Growth

fed-rate-cut-boosts-franchise-growth

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

Photo of "franchise" and "day job" balancing on see-saw

Can You Run a Franchise Without Quitting Your Day Job?

part-time-franchises-with-day-job

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

Why Buying Into a Franchise Is About More Than Just Brand Recognition

why-buying-into-a-franchise-is-about-more-than-just-brand-recognition

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Nick Powills: Want Fewer Meetings? Let’s Have A Meeting About It.

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS