💡 CheatCode #90: The One-Question Meeting Hack
Turn meetings into decision engines by asking one question first.
“Don’t meet unless it leads to a decision.” — Peter Drucker
Meetings balloon because we let conversation substitute for decisions. Start every meeting with one clarifying question and use its answer to steer the agenda. That single question turns noise into leverage.
Related study: Teams that set clear decision intents see shorter meetings and higher execution velocity (organizational behavior research on decision rights).
Why it works:
✅ Aligns expectations in 30 seconds.
✅ Converts talk into next actions — immediately.
✅ Reduces follow-ups and passive attendees.
Today’s Challenge:
Before your next meeting, write this on the top of the invite: “By the end of this meeting we will decide: [one clear decision].” Open the meeting by reading that sentence aloud. Capture the decision and the owner before you close.
Business example (quick):
A regional distribution client, replacing status-heavy standups with “What decision do you need?” Cut weekly meeting times by 40% and doubled the rate of closed action items in two months.
Final Thought: Meetings are expensive. Treat every minute like payroll.
-1% CheatCode