About Paul Axtell

Seeking input from colleagues is different from the typical approach to group problem solving. Problem solving is a back-and-forth conversation. Seeking input from colleagues is a reflective exercise built around observing your colleagues discuss a problem or idea. At the heart of this meeting agenda template design is the freedom to just listen—to not defend, or explain, or in any way resist...

Surfacing and working through questions and complaints is key to growing and sustaining a great organization (or personal relationship). While clearing questions and dealing with complaints are two separate processes, this meeting agenda template covers both since often a discussion will surface each equally. Any supervisor, manager, or leader that wants people at their best must cultivate a...

All strategic plans become outdated quickly, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start over. This relatively short meeting agenda template will help your team identify important changes in your circumstances and knowledge that you can use to refresh your strategy and keep it relevant.

Establishing a relationship with your new group or team is simple, common sense, and straight forward. In many organizations, it’s a missing piece in the puzzle called working together. The facilitator's guide for this meeting agenda template walks you through: Getting to know each person in a way that allows for safety, permission, and candor in the relationship. Leading a group meeting...

This meeting agenda template is one of two one-on-ones designed by Paul Axtell. One-on-one sessions can truly be a back-and-forth, give-and-take discussion that leads to transparency, clarity, and progress. The best one-on-one meetings are led by the employee rather than the manager. The 30-60-90 meeting provides clarity about the future and the focus over the next 30, 60, and 90 days. Use this...

This meeting agenda template is one of two one-on-ones designed by Paul Axtell. One-on-one sessions can truly be a back-and-forth, give-and-take discussion that leads to transparency, clarity, and progress. The best one-on-one meetings are led by the employee rather than the manager. The "Standard Checking-In" approach works well for weekly or bi-weekly check-in meetings lasting 30 to 45 minutes...

Leaders seek alignment when defining goals, making decisions, or formulating strategic plans. When it’s important to have everyone in the group on board with the outcome, working through this series of deliberate and thoughtful questions can help achieve group alignment. This meeting agenda template provides a deliberate and thoughtful way to reveal what needs to be addressed to reach alignment.