If your meeting doesn’t have an agenda, it’s probably a waste of time.

We’ve all been in meetings where no one really knows why they’re there or what’s about to happen. Always attach an agenda doc or at least a clear description when you schedule a meeting.

Titles like “Project Sync” or “Team Catch-up” don’t cut it. A good agenda gives everyone context, shows how to prepare, and ensures the meeting actually moves things forward.

Highly unlikely, but if some or all participants review the agenda in advance, the meeting runs smoothly. They come ready with the right information, prepared to contribute instead of reacting on the spot.

For you, as the organizer, writing down your questions, objectives, or discussion points also helps. It makes sure you don’t forget anything important. Apart from the usuals, this also

• Keeps the conversation on track
• Pushes the meeting toward clear outcomes
• Acts as a record of decisions and action items

By the way, it also lets people decide if they really need to attend, or if they can just give input async. That alone saves a ton of wasted time.

Most importantly, it shows that you respect everyone’s time. You’re not pulling people in “just because” you’ve thought it through and given them a reason to be there.

By the way, if you are senior enough, you can even go berserk and be like - no agenda, no meeting.

But yes, until then, start setting an agenda in your meeting invites.