“3 Types of Meetings—and How to Do Each One Well,” by Amy Bonsall

Fri 07 Oct 2022

Set Your Meetings Up for Success ! 

There are three types of meetings: transactional (meeting to get things done); relational (meeting to strengthen connections); and adaptive (meeting to address complex or sensitive topics). Here’s how to set each one up for success.

(1) Transactional meetings.

 As the meeting host, it’s your responsibility to ensure everyone can participate—whether they’re in the same room or remote. Cloud-based tools like Google Docs, Miro, and FigJam are game-changers. Because multiple people can edit simultaneously, everyone sees updates in real time, and they far outweigh a whiteboard only a few can see.

(2) Relational meetings.

 Whether you’re convening two people or the whole organization, relational meetings should be intentionally designed. Set clear objectives at the top — for example, to learn about each other’s career goals or formative professional experiences. Structured activities can help grease the conversational wheels.

(3) Adaptive meetings. 

Whether your team is setting strategy, brainstorming, or talking through distressing news events, these meetings depend on psychological safety. Physical comfort is key, too; move the furniture around, loosen up, and emphasize that decision making and execution will come later.

This tip is adapted from “3 Types of Meetings—and How to Do Each One Well,” by Amy Bonsall