Put it into practice

At the nonprofit, assessing meeting behaviors over time led to better individual behaviors, stronger team results, and a shift in the way staff meetings contributed to the mission. As old behaviors that previously dominated or derailed staff meetings declined, the meetings became a more valuable time for organization-wide connections and storytelling. This approach and discipline to meetings was adopted by the individual leaders’ meetings. Meetings all around the organization improved. While getting there took longer than predicted, the shifts lasted, and the organization’s outcomes improved. People began to expect good meetings that were productive and contributed to action and success.

Meetings are more than just a tool for getting things done—they’re a powerful reflection of your organization’s culture. When approached with intention, they can drive behavior change, foster collaboration, and align teams with strategic goals. By developing five fundamental behaviors, the way you and your teams show up in meetings can transform how your company works together and accelerate progress. Ultimately, meetings are where culture is built—one conversation at a time.