Most meetings are bad – but they shouldn’t be. Pat and Cody discuss how leaders can borrow from the secrets of screenwriters and film directors to make their meetings more compelling and engaging. Pat draws on his own experience writing screenplays and presents concepts from his book “Death By Meeting.”
Pat Lencioni and his co-host Cody Thompson explored the striking similarities between the art of filmmaking and the craft of conducting meetings.
Just like a blockbuster movie captivates its audience from the opening scene, a successful meeting must grab the attention of its participants right from the start. Cody and Pat discussed the critical importance of the first ten minutes of a meeting, which they likened to the “hook” in a film. They argued against the mundane practice of beginning with a review of minutes or a dry reading of the agenda. Instead, we advocated for starting with a thematic goal or a rallying cry that sets the context and invests participants emotionally in the meeting’s purpose.
In both movies and meetings, conflict is not just inevitable but necessary. It’s the driving force that keeps the plot moving and the audience engaged. Pat & Cody emphasized the need for nurturing good conflict in meetings—not for the sake of argument but to foster meaningful outcomes that impact the business and participant satisfaction. The goal is to channel the tension towards a resolution that leaves everyone feeling invested in the decisions made.
Throughout the episode, Cody and Pat shared personal experiences that underscored their points. They recounted meetings that were transformed by engaging storytelling techniques and how they led to more productive and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved. They drew parallels to the way people discuss and digest a movie after watching it, highlighting the importance of debriefing and meaningful discussions post-meeting.
To wrap up, Cody & Pat encouraged the listeners to rethink their approach to meetings. By applying principles from the world of cinema—creating a hook, nurturing conflict, and driving towards a resolution—meetings can become something people look forward to and find genuinely productive.
Remember, the next time you’re planning a meeting, think like a director. Set the stage, engage your audience, and create an experience that’s as memorable as a great film.
Show Notes
0:54 — Patrick Lencioni explains why meetings are bad.
2:03 — Patrick compares meetings to movies.
3:37 — What is at the heart of great meetings & movies? Conflict and tension.
4:56 — Patrick Lencioni explains the need to nurture good conflict.
6:00 — The most important part of a meeting – the hook.
7:11 — A movie with a great hook: Raiders of the Lost Ark.
8:59 — Patrick Lencioni explains how to hook the team at the beginning of a meeting.
10:48 — Patrick Lencioni unpacks the weight of the first ten minutes of a meeting.
12:00 — You should be emotionally invested in a meeting, just like a movie.
15:00 — Listener Question: How can you help organizations master Organizational Health?
16:23 — Listener Question: What to do when the leader isn’t interested in teamwork and vulnerability?
17:56 — Listener Question: How would Patrick Lencioni recommend evaluating an organization’s health?
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
