The meeting is over, everyone is exhausted, nothing was accomplished, and all of the status updates felt like we were just checking our homework. That’s why too many meetings can be covered in an email.
If you want to have powerful and engaging meetings, surface real meaty issues and work on those. It might seem like that would be draining, but solving real problems, issues, and opportunities can be one of the most energizing activities. Just remember, the “great issue” must have a “defined and actionable outcome.” Try starting your next meeting with an opening question like the one on the next page to surface powerful topics. Then let the team decide which topic(s) they want to work on and focus your meeting on that. Then send the updates in an email. Now watch your meetings go from exhausting to engaging.