Meeting agendas

*insert meeting agenda template* What to include: Information items. This includes any updates you may want to share with the group. Action items. These are the tasks your team should complete during or after the meeting. Discussion items. These are all the topics you want your team to provide feedback on.

Start with why this meeting exists. What decision needs to be made? What problem needs solving? What needs to be communicated? If you cannot articulate the purpose clearly, maybe you do not need a meeting. Every meeting should have a reason.

Break down the meeting into specific discussion items. Assign an owner to each topic who is responsible for that discussion. Include time estimates so you do not run over. Order topics by priority - critical items first in case you run short on time.

Include any documents or information people should review beforehand. Link to relevant materials. Specify what participants should come prepared with. Pre-meeting preparation makes the actual meeting much more productive.

Send the agenda at least 24 hours before the meeting - earlier for complex topics. Give people time to prepare. Include the meeting link, dial-in info, and logistics. Last minute agendas mean unprepared participants.

Reserve time at the end to summarize decisions and next steps. Document action items with owners and deadlines. Send notes to all participants after the meeting. Clear follow-up keeps momentum going. Meetings without action items are often wasted time.