Ever walked out of a meeting wondering what the point was? When I ask this question in a Leaders Who Ask program, everyone laughs! Yes it’s funny…. But it shouldn’t be!
Meetings are one of the most visible expressions of culture – and one of the biggest productivity drains. Too often they’re led by leaders doing all the talking, while participants either disengage or wait for their turn to speak. The result? Low ownership, unclear outcomes, and time no one gets back.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The shift: From leading meetings to facilitating thinking
Leaders Who Ask don’t use meetings to update or instruct—they use them to engage, align, and unlock contribution. They create space for others to think, speak, and act. And they know that a clear purpose and the right questions are more powerful than the perfect agenda.
Here’s how:
- Begin with purpose – Remind people of why this meeting matters.
- Create space for insight – Ask: ‘Where are we stuck?’ or ‘What’s one thing we could do differently next time?’
- Invite ownership – Ask: ‘Who’s best placed to lead this forward?’
- Close with clarity – Ask: ‘What are our key actions? Who’s doing what by when?’
Meetings led this way are shorter, sharper, and more productive. More importantly, they model a culture of ownership, collaboration, and trust.
If your meetings are filled with updates, passive participants, and vague follow-through, it’s time to try something different. Ask more. Tell less. And watch what happens.
Go Fearlessly – Corrinne
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