Meetings That Work by Alexander Strauch

Last updated: Sep 30, 2023

Summary of Meetings That Work by Alexander Strauch

Meetings That Work by Alexander Strauch is a comprehensive guide to conducting effective and productive meetings in various settings. The book emphasizes the importance of well-organized and purposeful meetings, and provides practical advice and strategies for achieving this goal.

Strauch begins by highlighting the negative aspects of poorly run meetings, such as wasted time, lack of engagement, and frustration among participants. He argues that meetings should be seen as valuable opportunities for collaboration, decision-making, and growth.

The author then outlines the key principles for successful meetings. These include having a clear purpose and agenda, ensuring active participation from all attendees, and maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. Strauch emphasizes the importance of preparation, suggesting that meeting organizers should carefully plan the content, structure, and timing of each meeting.

One of the main themes of the book is the role of leadership in facilitating effective meetings. Strauch argues that leaders should take responsibility for setting the tone and expectations of the meeting, as well as ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute. He provides practical tips for leaders, such as using open-ended questions, active listening, and summarizing key points.

The book also addresses common challenges and obstacles that can arise during meetings, such as conflicts, distractions, and time constraints. Strauch offers strategies for managing these issues, such as establishing ground rules, using facilitation techniques, and prioritizing agenda items.

In addition to practical advice, Meetings That Work also explores the biblical principles that underpin effective meetings. Strauch draws on biblical examples and teachings to highlight the importance of humility, love, and unity in the context of meetings. He argues that meetings should be conducted in a way that reflects these values, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Overall, Meetings That Work is a comprehensive and practical guide for anyone involved in organizing or participating in meetings. It provides valuable insights and strategies for maximizing the effectiveness and productivity of meetings, while also emphasizing the importance of biblical principles in this context.

1. The Purpose of Meetings

In "Meetings That Work," Alexander Strauch emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of meetings. He argues that meetings should not be held simply for the sake of having a meeting, but rather should have a clear and specific purpose. This purpose should be communicated to all participants in advance, so they can come prepared and actively contribute to the meeting.

By defining the purpose of a meeting, it becomes easier to determine whether a meeting is necessary or if the same objectives can be achieved through other means, such as email or a quick conversation. This helps to avoid wasting time and resources on unnecessary meetings and ensures that meetings are focused and productive.

2. The Role of the Leader

Strauch highlights the crucial role of the leader in facilitating effective meetings. The leader should be responsible for setting the agenda, keeping the meeting on track, and ensuring that all participants have an opportunity to contribute. They should also create an environment that encourages open and respectful communication.

According to Strauch, the leader should not dominate the meeting or use it as a platform to showcase their own ideas. Instead, they should actively listen to others, ask clarifying questions, and facilitate meaningful discussions. By taking on this role, the leader can create a positive and inclusive atmosphere that promotes collaboration and problem-solving.

3. Active Participation

Strauch emphasizes the importance of active participation in meetings. He argues that all participants should come prepared, having read any relevant materials and thought about the topics to be discussed. This ensures that everyone can contribute meaningfully to the meeting and helps to avoid unproductive discussions.

Active participation also involves listening attentively to others and respecting their viewpoints. Strauch encourages participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in constructive dialogue. By actively participating, individuals can contribute their unique perspectives and insights, leading to more informed decision-making and better outcomes.

4. Time Management

Time management is a critical aspect of effective meetings, according to Strauch. He suggests setting a clear start and end time for the meeting and sticking to it. This helps to create a sense of urgency and ensures that the meeting does not drag on unnecessarily.

Strauch also recommends allocating specific time slots for each agenda item and sticking to the schedule. This prevents any single topic from dominating the meeting and allows for equal attention to be given to all items. Additionally, he suggests using time limits for individual contributions to keep the discussion focused and prevent tangents.

5. Decision-Making Process

Strauch provides insights into a structured decision-making process that can be applied in meetings. He suggests starting with a clear statement of the problem or decision to be made, followed by gathering relevant information and considering different options.

Once all options have been discussed, Strauch recommends seeking consensus or, if necessary, taking a vote. He emphasizes the importance of allowing dissenting opinions to be heard and considered, as this can lead to better decision-making and prevent groupthink.

6. Follow-Up and Accountability

According to Strauch, effective meetings should not end when the meeting itself concludes. He stresses the importance of follow-up and accountability to ensure that decisions made in the meeting are implemented and progress is tracked.

Strauch suggests assigning specific tasks and deadlines to individuals or teams, and regularly reviewing progress in subsequent meetings. This helps to maintain momentum and ensures that actions are taken to achieve the desired outcomes discussed in the meeting.

7. Continuous Improvement

Strauch encourages a culture of continuous improvement when it comes to meetings. He suggests regularly evaluating the effectiveness of meetings and seeking feedback from participants.

By reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved, organizations can make adjustments to their meeting processes and structures. This allows for ongoing refinement and optimization of meetings, leading to increased productivity and engagement.

8. The Importance of Relationships

Strauch emphasizes the role of relationships in effective meetings. He argues that building strong relationships among meeting participants fosters trust, open communication, and collaboration.

By investing time and effort in building relationships, organizations can create a positive and supportive meeting culture. This, in turn, leads to more productive meetings, as participants feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.