73% of decision meetings fail to produce a decision.
That’s a crazy stat. I had to double check it to make sure I read it right, but it’s true, almost 3 our ot 4 meetings set up to make a decision fail to do that. You can see the data here along with a bunch of other somewhat saddening stats about how bad meetings are.
Even when the right people are invited and there is a clear objective, an hour can go by without getting any closer to an actual decision. Not that anyone is actually concentrating for the full hour. After about 10 minutes of talking in circles most people tune out.
Instead of working towards a decision the meeting becomes an opportunity for everyone to share an opinion. New ideas get introduced, detail is added to strengthen a point, and three people share an “oh, I’ve experienced that too” story.
The result: No decision and an hour wasted for every person in the room.
If you want to avoid all that, AND you want to make decent decisions, try this simple method to make better decisions in meetings:
𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗫
𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Evaluate alternatives based on key factors such as cost, feasibility, and impact. By scoring and weighting criteria, the matrix provides a clear, quantitative basis for choosing the best option.
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
- Define the decision or choice to be made (e.g., “Which marketing strategy should we invest in?”).
- Identify evaluation criteria (e.g., cost, impact, feasibility, alignment with goals).
- List the options or alternatives being considered.
- Score each option against every criterion using a consistent scale (e.g., 1–5 or 1–10); apply weights if needed.
- Total the scores for each option and compare results.
- Discuss & decide based on the matrix outcomes, addressing discrepancies and confirming the final choice.
This method is quick and the structure helps groups stay on track.
________________________________
What method do you use to make better decisions in a meeting?