Top 10 take aways from “Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable…About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business” By Patrick Lencioni
People are searching for ways to improve their meetings and make them more productive. The book “Death by Meeting” provides 10 key takeaways that can help leaders create more effective meetings.
Here are the 10 key takeaways from “Death by Meeting”:
- Start with the end in mind.
- Invite the right people.
- Set a clear agenda and time limit.
- Create an environment where everyone can contribute.
- Encourage participation from everyone.
- Stay on track.
- Make decisions and take action.
- Follow up after the meeting.
- Review your meetings regularly.
- Have fun!
By implementing these 10 key takeaways, you can create more effective meetings that will help you achieve your business goals.
II. The Problem with Meetings
Meetings are a necessary part of business, but they can also be a huge waste of time. When meetings are poorly run, they can lead to decreased productivity, poor decision-making, and disengaged employees.
The problem with most meetings is that they are not focused on achieving a specific goal. They are often held for the sake of holding a meeting, and there is no clear agenda or purpose. This leads to meetings that are long, boring, and unproductive.
Another problem with meetings is that they are often attended by people who are not essential to the discussion. This can lead to wasted time and frustration for everyone involved.
Finally, meetings can be a breeding ground for conflict and disagreement. When people are forced to sit in a room together for an extended period of time, it is inevitable that some conflict will arise. This can lead to unproductive discussions and decisions that are not in the best interests of the company.
The good news is that these problems can be avoided. By following the 10 key takeaways in this book, you can create more effective meetings that will help you achieve your business goals.
Takeaway 1: Meetings Should Have a Clear Purpose
The first key takeaway from “Death by Meeting” is that meetings should have a clear purpose. This means that everyone who attends the meeting should know what they are expected to achieve by the end of the meeting. The purpose of the meeting should be stated clearly at the beginning of the meeting and should be referred to throughout the meeting.
Takeaway 1: Meetings Should Have a Clear Purpose
The first key takeaway from “Death by Meeting” is that meetings should have a clear purpose. This means that everyone who attends the meeting should know what they are expected to achieve by the end of the meeting. The purpose of the meeting should be stated clearly at the beginning of the meeting and should be referred to throughout the meeting.
Takeaway 5: Meetings Should Be Inclusive
Meetings should be inclusive of all stakeholders who have a stake in the outcome. This means inviting people from different departments, levels, and functions. It also means making sure that everyone has a chance to contribute and be heard. When everyone feels included, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to the meeting’s goals.
Takeaway 6: Meetings Should Be Scheduled Strategically
Meetings should be scheduled strategically to ensure that they are productive and efficient. This means that they should be scheduled at a time when everyone who needs to be involved is available, and they should be long enough to cover the agenda but not so long that people get bored or distracted.
When scheduling a meeting, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The purpose of the meeting
- The number of people who need to be involved
- The length of time the meeting will need to last
- The best time to schedule the meeting
By considering these factors, you can ensure that your meetings are scheduled strategically and that they are productive and efficient.
Takeaway 7: Meetings Should Be Documented
After the meeting, send out a summary of the key points that were discussed and any decisions that were made. This will help everyone stay on track and ensure that the meeting’s goals are met.
You can also create a meeting minutes document that includes the following information:
- Date and time of the meeting
- Attendees
- Agenda
- Key points discussed
- Decisions made
- Action items
Keeping meeting minutes is a valuable way to track progress and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Takeaway 5: Meetings Should Be Inclusive
Meetings should be inclusive of all stakeholders who have a stake in the outcome. This means inviting people from all levels of the organization, as well as external stakeholders such as customers or partners. By including everyone who has a stake in the outcome, you can ensure that all perspectives are heard and that the best possible decisions are made.
In addition, inclusive meetings create a sense of ownership and buy-in from everyone involved. When people feel like they have a voice, they are more likely to be invested in the outcome of the meeting and to take action to implement its decisions.
Here are some tips for making your meetings more inclusive:
- Invite a diverse range of people to your meetings.
- Make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
- Listen to everyone’s ideas, even if you disagree with them.
- Be respectful of everyone’s opinions.
- Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up.
By following these tips, you can create more inclusive meetings that will lead to better decisions and outcomes.
Takeaway 9: Meetings Should Be Scheduled Strategically
Meetings should be scheduled strategically to ensure that they are productive and efficient. This means considering the following factors when scheduling a meeting:
- The purpose of the meeting
- The number of people who need to attend
- The length of the meeting
- The best time to hold the meeting
By scheduling meetings strategically, you can ensure that they are productive and efficient, and that they meet the needs of your team.