What if every meeting you ran led to action, alignment, and real progress?
That’s the challenge — and the opportunity — we explore in this article.
Let’s be honest: most meetings aren’t bad because of the people in them. They’re bad because of what happens before they start.
Too many are stuck in “update” mode — long on talk, short on value. The real cost? Wasted time, lost momentum, and missed opportunities to move things forward.
But what if you could flip that?
Not by tinkering with agendas or buying better chairs — but by applying better thinking and sharper questions before you meet.
The shift: From meeting out of habit to meeting with purpose.
Whether it’s a 1:1, team huddle, or strategy session, every meeting has the potential to create clarity, unlock ideas, and trigger action — if you design it to.
It all starts with the questions you ask before anyone walks into the room (or logs in).
High-quality questions help you:
- Open the mind: expanding thinking to explore fresh possibilities.
- Focus the mind: zooming in on what matters most.
- Prime the purpose: creating clarity on the outcomes you’re aiming for.
Five simple yet powerful questions to shape your next meeting
- What outcome are we seeking to achieve by the end of this meeting? If there’s no clear outcome, cancel or rethink the meeting.
- What actions might we want to take as a result? Start with possibility thinking. If nothing might change, why meet?
- What high-quality question could we send in advance to shift people’s mindset? One great question can activate insight before a word is spoken.
- Who really needs to be there — and how might they best contribute? Avoid the default invite list. Involve people with purpose.
- How could we structure the time to maximise thinking, decision-making, and action?
Think beyond agendas. Design a flow that moves people from insight to impact.
During the meeting: It's not about having all the answers.
- What’s the real issue here we need to address?
- What might be possible if we looked at this differently?
- What are we assuming — and is it true?
- What’s the next step we could commit to right now?
These aren’t just good questions. They’re thinking catalysts — and the difference between a meeting that meanders and one that moves things forward.
Make Meetings Matter
You don’t need more meetings.
You need better ones.
And better meetings start with better thinking — before, during, and after.
That’s what we help leaders do every day using the Go M.A.D.® Results Framework: replacing time-wasting habits with high-impact conversations that drive real progress.
Because when you shift the thinking, you shift the results.
Keep making a difference!
Upcoming Masterclass
If this has struck a cord, join us for our next Masterclass – Cut the Waste. Make Meetings Matter.
In this free 60-minute online masterclass, you’ll learn how to turn every meeting into a results-driven session – with action, alignment, and progress.
Say goodbye to time-wasting habits and start making meetings that truly count.
Plus, get fresh insights on leading change and improving performance.
Ready to make your meetings matter? Start here.
Date & Time
19th September 2025, 12pm - 1pm
