I have never encountered more mind numbing ritual than meetings. It’s the equivalent to my water boarding. Clap twice if you’re with me. Whether it was early in my coaching career or on boards of directors or academia or in the corporate setting, I felt strongly that communication and connection needed a better runway to result in collective accountability, collaboration, and cooperation.
Early on I adopted a 3 sentence opener that has stuck with me ever since. I walk in and say 3 things:
- This is the decision we are making.
- This is what happens if we’re wrong.
- This is who owns the outcome.
It takes 15 seconds. Then discussion starts. No small talk. No agenda review- just clarity that forces accountability before opinions fly. Stating consequences up front eliminates posturing. People stop defending positions and start solving problems when failure is named before the solutions.
If you cannot state all three then the meeting DOES NOT HAPPEN. Most meetings happen because someone wants to feel involved. I learned that 60-70% of meetings proposed get killed just by trying to write the opener. The method is ruthless, but meetings aren’t therapy sessions- they’re decision engines. Treat them like one.
The controversial part, is that I assign ownership before the discussion- not after it. “You own this” is declared before minute one is up, so the person cannot dodge it, deflect, or dilute responsibility. It creates a psychological lock. The brain shifts from “what do I think” to “what will I defend in 6 months”. It helps you begin with the end in mind.
Drop me a note in the DM’s or reach out directly through our website www.PeakScouts.com. Try this in your next meeting and let me know how it goes.
