Most complaints about meetings trace back to a small set of recurring problems: no clear purpose, no agenda, or too many attendees who don't actually need to be there. Fixing those three things solves most of the pain.
Before scheduling
- Ask whether the goal could be achieved with a message instead — many status updates don't need a live meeting.
- Write a one-line purpose statement: what decision or outcome should exist by the end.
- Invite only people who need to contribute or decide — others can get a summary afterward.
During the meeting
- Share a short agenda in advance so people arrive prepared, not cold.
- Start on time, even if some attendees are still joining — this respects the people who showed up promptly.
- End with a clear summary of decisions made and next steps, including who owns each one.
A meeting with no agenda rarely stays on time
Without a written agenda, discussions tend to drift, and meetings routinely run long. A shared agenda is one of the simplest, highest-leverage fixes available.
About the author
Daniel Osei
Business & Finance Correspondent
11 pieces published
