Better Meetings: Using the Jobs to Be Done Framework with Mike Simmons

Mike Simmons explores the art of effective meetings using a "Jobs to Be Done" framework. As a leadership coach and expert in organizational dynamics, Mike breaks down common meeting challenges, offers actionable strategies, and introduces practical tools for fostering clarity, engagement, and collaboration.

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Three Key Quotes from Mike Simmons

1. "Clarity is key—if you don't have a specific objective for the meeting, you're setting everyone up for frustration."
2. "Stop combining decision-making, information-sharing, and collaboration into one meeting—it wastes time and energy."
3. "Leverage the collective intelligence of your team to solve problems and design solutions collaboratively."

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Mike dissects meeting inefficiencies and introduces an approach that leverages a "Jobs to Be Done" framework to improve the effectiveness of your meetings. Categorizing meetings into decision-making, information-sharing, and collaborative types. By avoiding multitasking and fostering clarity, leaders can eliminate wasted time, enhance engagement, and drive meaningful outcomes. Tools like guided whiteboard sessions and clear next steps improve team alignment and accountability.

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Five Key Takeaways

1. Define Meeting Objectives Clearly

   • Meetings without objectives lead to confusion and wasted time.
   • Use tools like a call plan to set the purpose and desired outcomes.
   • Align the team on specific goals before starting.

2. Different Types of Meetings Serve Different Purposes

   • Decision-making: Share criteria and ensure alignment in advance.
   • Information-sharing: Prepare pre-read materials and anticipate Q&A.
   • Collaboration: Solve problems, design solutions, or align strategies as a group.

3. Avoid Combining Meeting Types

   • Multitasking meetings dilute focus and reduce effectiveness.
   • Assess each meeting’s purpose and categorize accordingly.
   • Create specialized agendas for each meeting type to enhance efficiency.

4. Clarify and Assign Next Steps

   • Use tools like color-coded notes or whiteboards to document decisions.
   • Specify “who will do what by when” to ensure accountability.
   • Publicly document agreements to eliminate misunderstandings.

5. Harness the Power of Collaboration

   • Guided whiteboard sessions enhance problem-solving and team cohesion.
   • External facilitators can neutralize biases and encourage fresh perspectives.
   • Leverage team diversity to innovate and tackle complex challenges effectively.