But before we get into the types, let’s cover three basics to make any meeting successful:
3 Quick Tips for Better Meetings:
1. Set a Clear Objective: Why are we meeting? If you can’t answer this, maybe you don’t need a meeting!
2. Be Picky with Invites: Only bring in the people who really need to be there. It saves everyone time.
3. Share an Agenda: Let folks know what’s up before the meeting starts. It helps everyone prep and keeps things on track.
Now, onto the good stuff:
1. Brainstorming Meetings:
Brainstorming is all about letting ideas flow without judgment. To make it easier for everyone to contribute (not just the loudest voices), send out the topic in advance. Use a shared document or a whiteboard tool like Miro so people can add their ideas beforehand. In the meeting, make space for everyone to speak up — it’s a team effort, after all!
2. Project Kickoff Meetings:
Starting a new project? These meetings are your chance to get everyone on the same page. Lay out your goals, timelines, and who’s doing what. Want to make it smoother? Share a quick read-ahead so everyone shows up ready to dive in.
3. Problem-Solving Meetings:
When there’s a challenge on the table, problem-solving meetings are the place to hash it out. Start with defining the problem, then brainstorm solutions. Make sure you leave the room with a clear action plan and who’s responsible for what.
4. Weekly Team Meetings:
Team meetings can be a drag, but they don’t have to be. Mix it up! Start with a fun icebreaker, rotate who leads the meeting, and encourage everyone to chime in. Keeping the energy up makes a big difference.
5. Check-in and Status Update Meetings:
These are your typical project updates. Keep them quick and to the point. And remember, not everything needs to be a live meeting — if an async update works, do it! That way, everyone gets their updates without blocking calendars.
6. Retrospective Meetings:
Retros are all about looking back to improve moving forward. Set up a space for anonymous feedback and encourage open discussions on what worked and what didn’t. The goal is to learn and get better, not to point fingers.
7. Training Meetings:
Trainings don’t have to be snooze-fests. Make them interactive, keep them relevant, and always tie the training back to why it matters for the attendees. Use breakout rooms for small discussions or activities that get people involved.
8. Team Building Meetings:
Not all team-building has to be cringey. Find activities that your team actually enjoys — whether it’s a virtual escape room, a trivia game, or just a casual chat over coffee. The goal is to build trust and have some fun together.
Meetings Don’t Have to Suck
No matter what type of meeting you’re running, remember these basics: respect people’s time, keep it engaging, and always make sure there’s a purpose. Meetings are about connecting, collaborating, and moving forward as a team. So let’s make them worth everyone’s while!