Endless meetings can be exhausting — but what if they could actually be productive and meaningful? Kim and Amy talk with Dr. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met and The Surprising Science of Meetings, about how to run effective meetings and make every minute count — especially during one-on-one meetings. Steven shares research-backed tips for running better meetings, from framing agendas as questions to setting clear meeting norms that invite everyone’s voice. He explains why one-on-one meetings are the most important conversations managers can have, how they build trust, strengthen relationships, and boost team performance, and why they should never be replaced by an email. If you’re ready to spend less time in unproductive meetings and more time having conversations that count, this episode offers helpful guidance on meeting best practices, better collaboration, and creating space for real connection.
Get all of the show notes at RadicalCandor.com/podcast.
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Amy introduce guest Dr. Steven Rogelberg, organizational psychologist and an expert on meetings.
(00:03:51) The Impact of Meetings
The global volume of meetings and the underestimated economic impact.
(00:06:33) Optimizing Meetings
Misconceptions about meetings and advice on improving their effectiveness.
(00:09:39) Framing Agendas as Questions
How to ensure that the meeting agenda questions are valuable.
(00:12:01) Soliciting Feedback in Meetings
Whether feedback should be solicited at the end of meetings.
(00:14:24) Power of Silent Brainstorming
Advice on encouraging team members to speak up in meetings.
(00:17:51) Value of One-on-Ones
Research that highlights the desire for more one-on-one meetings.
(00:20:49) Building Relationships in One-on-Ones
The importance of building relationships in one-on-one meetings.
(00:25:54) One-on-One Best Practices
Tips on starting, structuring, and scheduling one-on-one meetings.
(00:28:21) Trust Through Signals
How the location and questions of a one-on-one send powerful signals.
(00:33:15) Scheduling for Success
Optimizing schedules by spacing out one-on-ones and time blocking.
(00:37:22) The Direct Report’s Role
How direct reports can prepare for meetings with their managers.
(00:41:48) Conclusion
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