Based on Patrick Lencioni’s “Death by Meeting” Framework
Let’s be honest—most meetings are painful. They’re too long, lack focus, and leave everyone wondering why they couldn’t just get an email. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Patrick Lencioni’s Death by Meeting outlines a smarter, more strategic way to structure meetings so they energize rather than exhaust. At the heart of his framework is one big idea: not all meetings are created equal.
Here’s how you can use Lencioni’s approach to run meetings that are actually productive:
- Daily Check-ins (5-10 minutes)
Quick, informal team huddles to align on the day’s priorities. This isn’t for deep dives or problem-solving—just a fast sync to stay connected. For remote teams, a quick video or Slack stand-up works wonders. - Weekly Tactical Meetings (45-90 minutes)
This is where the real work happens. Focus on short-term priorities, immediate issues, and team accountability. Use a rolling agenda based on real-time challenges, not a static agenda set a week ago.
Tip: Avoid falling into the trap of status updates. Instead, zero in on obstacles and decisions. - Monthly Strategic Meetings (2-4 hours)
Now’s the time for the big-picture stuff: long-term planning, market shifts, new initiatives. These sessions require space to think creatively and argue constructively. Lencioni believes conflict isn’t bad—it’s essential. Healthy debate leads to stronger decisions. - Quarterly Off-Sites (1-2 days)
Step back to reflect on team health, leadership alignment, and overarching goals. This is your chance to reset and recharge—especially important for leadership teams juggling competing priorities.
Make It Work: The Key Ingredients
- Clarity: Be clear on what type of meeting it is—and stick to that purpose.
- Engagement: Encourage passionate debate. Silence isn’t agreement; it’s disengagement.
- Accountability: End every meeting with clear next steps and ownership.
Meetings aren’t the enemy—bad meetings are. When done right, meetings create clarity, spark innovation, and build stronger teams. Borrow Lencioni’s structure, stick to the purpose, and stop wasting time.
Ready to rescue your calendar from meeting madness?
Start by labeling your next team meeting: Tactical or Strategic? That one change can transform your entire approach.