why most meetings suck

Why Most Meetings Waste Time—And How We Make Them Fun and Productive

If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “That was a total waste of time,” you’re not alone. Meetings often drag on without clear direction, leaving people frustrated and wondering why they showed up in the first place. But what if meetings could be different? What if they were not only productive but even fun? Sounds impossible, right? Until now.

Let’s break down why most meetings fail—and how using the right frameworks and a bit of creativity can completely change the game.

The 7 Biggest Meeting Killers

1. No Clear Purpose or Agenda
Without a clear reason for the meeting, things get chaotic fast. People leave confused, wondering what they were supposed to accomplish.

The Fix: Start with a simple agenda and clear goals. We help businesses use simple frameworks that set the stage for success.

2. Too Many Participants
When everyone gets invited, no one feels responsible. The result? A room full of people zoning out.

The Fix: Keep it lean. We help teams identify the right people to invite so every voice matters.

3. Poor Time Management
Long-winded conversations lead to scheduling more meetings just to get things done.

The Fix: With strong structure and fun techniques, we help keep meetings focused and efficient—so one meeting is all you need.

4. No Actionable Outcomes
If no one leaves the meeting with clear next steps, nothing changes.

The Fix: We help teams leave every meeting with a plan and clear action items.

5. Distractions and Lack of Engagement
Phones buzz, side chats start, and people mentally check out.

The Fix: Our approach keeps things interactive, engaging, and yes—even fun.

6. Unprepared Attendees
When people show up without reviewing materials or thinking through their input, valuable time is wasted.

The Fix: We show you how to make prep simple and effective.

7. Inconsistent Follow-Up
Even great meetings fall flat if no one follows through.

The Fix: We help teams set up simple systems for tracking and completing tasks.

How We Help You Run Meetings That Matter

At Applied Storytelling, we believe meetings can be where work actually gets done—and where teams connect and have fun along the way. By blending proven frameworks with a touch of creativity, we help teams solve problems, make decisions faster, and leave meetings energized instead of drained.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Clear Objectives: Know exactly what you’re there to achieve.

• High Engagement: Keep everyone focused and contributing.

• Faster Decisions: Cut through distractions and reach solutions quickly.

• Actionable Outcomes: Leave with a plan, not just a conversation.

Fun and productive aren’t words you usually hear together when talking about meetings. Until now.

Let’s Talk
Ready to make meetings something your team actually looks forward to? Reach out—we’ll show you how to make it happen.