Method two:

Impose tight constraints on time—set a default to 30 minutes, a cap at 45 minutes, and end 5 minutes early to avoid calendar hypertrophy. Use the 10/10 rule: if participants are tardy, then end 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Each time a meeting occurs, implement the “no agenda, no meeting” rule with the addition of written expectations, assigned decision-makers, and required pre-reads. If a status update is necessary, go asynchronous. Make the meeting organizer accountable for this rearrangement.

Method three:

Minimize interruptions with agenda rules and async updates. For instance, before a meeting, ask for each participant to provide a written agenda which has a clear objective, suggested decision-owner, and necessary pre-reads. If the meeting is just about a status update, it should be asynchronous. Also, enforce strict time limits by doing things like defaulting to 30-minute meetings, 45-minute caps, and ending 5 minutes early. The 10/10 rule can be used here: for instance, if the attendees are ten minutes late, then the meeting will end ten minutes early. Consistently apply the “no agenda, no meeting” rule to all meetings, which should be accompanied by written expectations, decision-makers, and pre-reads.

Method three:

Break the patterns with agenda rules and async updates. Before the meeting begins, demand the submission of the written agenda from each participant which states the goal, decision-owner, and pre-read. If the meeting is plainly about a status update, it should be asynchronous. Also, strict time limits should be enforced by making changes such as defaulting to 30-minute meetings, capping them at 45 minutes, and ending them five minutes early. If ten minutes are lost due to tardiness, then ten minutes will be deducted from the meeting. Always, the “no agenda, no meeting” rule with written expectations, decision-makers, and pre-reads included should be applied to all meetings.