Meetings Kinda Suck

Big news: My new book Meetings Kinda Suck is here.

And yes, the title is intentional.

Most people don’t hate meetings because they don’t like working with other people. They hate meetings because too many of them waste time, avoid the real issues, and end without clear decisions or ownership.

I wrote this book because I kept seeing the same pattern across leadership teams: smart people, good intentions, full calendars, not enough progress.

At some point, teams stop questioning the process and start assuming this is just how meetings work, which is exactly the part I don’t think should be normal.

Meetings Kinda Suck is my take on how to fix bad meetings, and that starts with running the meetings you already have with more clarity, structure, and discipline.

If your team isn’t getting the kind of Traction® you want out of your meetings, this is where to start.

Focus Points
"Meetings don’t suck because meetings are inherently terrible. They suck because nobody taught us how to run them."

Why Meetings Kinda Suck and What to Do About It

Most meetings don’t fail for one obvious reason. They break down because the basics are missing.

Maybe the purpose is vague, the structure is off, or too many people are in the room without a clear reason to be there. Then when it’s time to make a decision, nobody really owns it.

That’s when meetings stop being useful, and people start showing up with less energy, fewer ideas, and less willingness to name the real issues getting in the way of progress.

If you want to start fixing your meetings today, focus on the fundamentals:

• Give every meeting a real purpose
• Separate updates from solving issues
• Make ownership clear before you move on
• Rate the meeting and ask why

Rate Your Meetings

Before you fix your meetings, you need to see them clearly.

Most teams think their meetings are fine until they look at what’s actually happening. Are issues getting solved or just talked about? Is ownership clear when people leave, or does the same work keep coming back again and again?

If you’re not sure, this assessment will help you see where your meeting rhythm stands right now.

On the Calendar
Join Us Live: Run Weekly Meetings That Actually Drive Results

If your weekly meeting has become a place for updates, side conversations, and scattered follow-up, this session will help. We’ll show you how Ninety brings all the pieces of the Level 10 Meeting® into one place so your team can focus on the Scorecard, solve the right issues, and leave with clear To-Dos.

May 14, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. ET