The Meeting Rythm :

The Unsung Hero of Scaling Businesses

By Brad Willson | Rolling Start 
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Ah, meetings. The corporate world’s love-hate relationship. We all bemoan them, yet they’re an unavoidable part of doing business. But what if I told you that meetings, when done right, could be the secret weapon propelling your business to new heights?

In Verne Harnish’s insightful book, Scaling Up, he unveils the power of establishing a consistent “meeting rhythm.” This isn’t just about scheduling meetings – it’s about creating a deliberate cadence of communication, alignment, and decision-making that beats throughout your organisation. And believe me, nailing this rhythm can make all the difference between a business that scales smoothly and one that stumbles.

Why Most Companies Get It Wrong

Many businesses fall into the trap of ad hoc meetings, reactive gatherings that often leave participants feeling frustrated and unproductive. Others have a rigid meeting schedule that stifles innovation and agility. Both extremes miss the mark.

The Sweet Spot: A Meeting Rhythm That Works

The key is to establish a meeting rhythm that balances structure and flexibility. Harnish doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all formula, but he does emphasize the importance of regular check-ins at various levels:

• Daily Huddles: These brief meetings are designed to keep teams aligned on daily priorities and address any roadblocks. In Scaling Up Compensation, Harnish and co-author Sebastian Ross highlight the example of The Scooter Store, a company that uses daily huddles to realign the entire company every 24 hours. This practice helps to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
• Weekly Leadership Meetings: These meetings focus on reviewing progress towards weekly goals, resolving issues, and planning for the week ahead.
• Monthly Management Meetings: These deeper dives allow teams to review progress towards monthly goals, address strategic issues, and make course corrections as needed.
• Quarterly and Annual Planning Meetings: These sessions are dedicated to setting and reviewing quarterly and annual goals, assessing progress towards the company’s vision, and making strategic adjustments.

The Benefits of a Well-Orchestrated Meeting Rhythm

A well-orchestrated meeting rhythm can yield a symphony of benefits for your scaling business:

• Improved Communication: Regular meetings ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing misunderstandings and promoting collaboration.
• Enhanced Alignment: When teams are aligned on goals and priorities, they can work together more effectively towards a shared vision.
• Faster Decision-Making: A structured meeting rhythm provides a forum for making timely decisions, avoiding bottlenecks and delays.
• Increased Accountability: Regular check-ins help team members stay focused and accountable for their commitments.
• Stronger Culture: A well-functioning meeting rhythm can foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and high performance.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to scale your business, don’t underestimate the power of the meeting rhythm. By establishing a deliberate cadence of communication, alignment, and decision-making, you can create a harmonious environment where your business can thrive.

So, grab your conductor’s baton and start orchestrating, and remember, as Harnish’s philosophy suggests. You have assembled the band (the People), Everyone in the business know the how to play (The Core), they all know the song (The Strategy) now you want everyone Playing to the same beat (Alignment).

For further information about the contents of this article please contact Brad Willson  at  brad@rollingstart.me

Photo by Dylan Gillis on Unsplash