The Key to Shorter, Better Meetings

Meetings are a part of every workplace, but they don’t have to be long or unproductive. A key to making meetings shorter and more effective is to clearly define their purpose and objectives. Anthony Tjan’s simple, three-purpose framework will help you do just that.

According to Tjan, most business meetings fall into one (or more) of the following three categories:

1. To inform: Bring people up to speed on relevant topics.
2. To seek input: Get feedback or advice on specific issues.
3. To ask for approval: Obtain the green light to move forward.

Using this framework as a filter will not only help you clarify the goals of your meeting but also allow participants to come prepared and focused.

Clarify the Purpose for Participants 🎯

Before every meeting, ask yourself which of these three purposes applies:

• Informing: Are you updating the team on new developments, milestones, or progress? Keep this portion concise and focused on key takeaways.
• Seeking input: Is feedback needed? Frame this clearly, so participants know their role is to offer insights or advice on specific points.
• Asking for approval: Do you need a decision to move forward? Make sure decision-makers are present and clear about what’s being requested.

By organizing your meeting around these objectives, you can keep it efficient and ensure everyone knows their role.

How This Framework Enhances Meetings 🛠️

Consider how framing the agenda with these purposes improves the overall structure:

• Informing: Avoid dragging out updates that don’t require input or action.
• Seeking input: Focus on gathering feedback on specific issues rather than aimless brainstorming.
• Asking for approval: Ensure the decision-making process is streamlined by defining exactly what needs approval.

Final Thoughts 💡

By adopting Tjan’s three-purpose rule, you’ll make meetings more focused, efficient, and meaningful for everyone involved. The next time you plan a meeting, ask yourself: Is this to inform, seek input, or ask for approval? This simple filter will help you cut down on unnecessary discussion and keep your meetings productive and on point. ✨