7 Signs Your Meeting Is Truly Designed, Not Just Planned
A meeting is designed when every minute serves a purpose, every participant knows their role, and energy never flat-lines. Scan these seven signs to see if your next session makes the grade—or needs a Serious Fun reboot.
1. The “Why” Greets You at the Door
Before the first slide, everyone can state the meeting’s purpose in one sentence. No purpose? No meeting. It’s that simple.
2. Roles & Expectations Land Early
Participants (not “attendees”) know why they’re in the room and what insights or decisions they must contribute. Surprise guests? Only if they add value.
3. The Flow Feels Like a Story Arc
Kick-off → exploration → decision → action. Energy peaks and dips by design, not by accident. You can almost plot it on a graph.
4. Tools Serve Outcomes—Not the Other Way Around
Sticky notes, Miro boards, polls—each tool is chosen because it unlocks a specific interaction, not because it’s trendy.
5. Decision Points Are Baked In
Time boxes and clear criteria turn fuzzy discussion into crisp calls. Everyone knows how and when decisions will be made.
6. Reflection Windows Prevent “Drive-By” Decisions
Micro-pauses for quiet thinking or pair-shares give introverts airtime and spark deeper insight. Yes, silence is part of the design.
7. Next Steps Write Themselves (Almost)
Commitments, owners, and deadlines are captured live—often onscreen—so no one leaves asking, “What happens now?”
Spot any gaps?
If your meeting ticks fewer than five boxes, it’s time for expert help. Orange Gibbon designs sessions that balance Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Energy—our Three Es framework.
Ready to swing your next meeting from planned to designed?
Email og@orangegibbon.com with your meeting brief and we’ll co-create a session worth showing up for.