If Your Meeting Is Too Big, Repurpose It

Maybe you sent the meeting invite to too many people. Maybe you were surprised by how many folks showed up. Whatever the reason, what do you do when a meeting is way bigger than you expected? Try shifting the purpose of the meeting to match its size. If you have more than eight people, don’t attempt to solve a problem or make a decision; those tasks are much easier in smaller groups. If you have 18 or fewer, turn the meeting into a brainstorming session for an issue that needs to be resolved. And if you have more than 18, you’re best off using the time as an information-sharing session. Alternatively, you could try brainstorming with a large group by dividing people into small teams. At the end of the meeting, one person from each team can report back to the larger audience, keeping things organized and efficient. Of course, if a meeting just seems too unwieldy, don’t forget two other options: canceling it or ending it early.