Problem
An organization aiming to improve to launch a transformative strategic plan, struggled with ineffective meetings. Meetings often lacked a clear purpose, drifted off-topic, and failed to hold participants accountable. This inefficiency not only stalled progress but also left team members frustrated by unproductive discussions that didn’t lead to actionable outcomes. Recognizing the need for a more effective meeting structure, the Client enlisted Onward to help.
Process
Onward approached the problem with a structured process:
- Survey & Feedback: Conducted a management team survey to identify pain points like unclear purposes, poor agenda management, and lack of follow-up.
- Meeting Redesign: Worked with Client to define the purpose of various meetings, resulting in a four-tiered meeting cadence:
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- Weekly Management Touchbase
- Monthly Strategic & Decision-Making Meetings
- Quarterly Strategic Refreshes
- Annual Strategic Planning Session
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- Protocol Implementation: Established standardized agendas, designated leadership, timed discussions, and strict follow-up protocols to ensure accountability and focus.
- Emphasis on Preparation: Introduced pre-meeting preparation requirements to ensure meaningful and productive discussions.
Outcome
The new meeting cadence transformed the Client’s internal processes. Meetings became more structured and goal-oriented, with clear agendas and leadership keeping discussions aligned with strategic objectives. Improved accountability and preparation led to faster decision-making and reduced redundant discussions. This shift not only enhanced operational efficiency but also boosted team morale and collaboration.