Better Meetings

We like to complain that meetings suck. I’m not sure everyone really believes that. But I do think most of us think we can get more out of meetings. At least we’d like to.

I recently read Patrick Lencioni’s Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business. The book is 20 years old, but it’s lessons still apply.

Here are 3 actionable takeaways from the book.

1. Not all meetings are the same.

We mess up meetings by cramming everything into one meeting. Instead, keep meetings focused by splitting them up by certain themes.

Lencioni recommends these different meeting types:

Quick daily check-ins

Weekly tactical meetings for updates

Monthly strategy meetings for big-picture planning

Occasional retreats for deeper conversations.

Each type has its own purpose, so things stay focused and productive.

2. Drama is not a bad thing.

I don’t like conflict, but Lencioni says meetings are boring because they lack drama. I had to think about this one, but I agree meetings need a little conflict.

Without healthy debates or tough questions, people tune out and issues get ignored.

• Talk about the stakes, the challenge, or why the meeting matters.

• It grabs everyone’s attention and reminds them why they’re in the room

We make meetings more interesting by digging into problems and encouraging different opinions. It’s like watching a movie—without tension, it’s boring!

3. Make Decisions, Not Just Discussions.

A meeting isn’t successful if all you do is talk. End every meeting with clear action steps and who’s responsible.

A meeting without decisions is just a conversation.

Decisions give your team direction and keep everyone accountable. Without them, you risk wasting time and leaving problems unresolved.

Make it a habit to confirm action items at the end of every meeting, so no one leaves guessing what happens next.

Conclusion

Nonprofit leader: meetings don’t have to feel like a waste of time—they can be a powerful tool for growing your nonprofit.

Consider how to structure them according by themes. Encourage healthy debates. End with clear decisions.

When you do this, you’ll keep your team aligned, focused, and moving forward.

As a leader, it’s up to you to set the tone and make meetings a space where real progress happens. When meetings are intentional and productive, they drive your mission forward.