As a business owner, one of the most exhausting things is that you are at the helm. You're the driver. It feels like everything is dependent on you, and that's why it's so heavy because there is so much responsibility associated with the work we do. When we reach the point where we have a team behind us, so much has to change—especially in how we operate as individuals and learn to lead.
Many business owners manage everything instead of truly stepping into the role of a CEO. They don’t have time for visionary work, innovation, or personal and professional development because they’re too entrenched in the day-to-day operations. This feeling of being a solopreneur, even with a team, is all too common.
One of my clients recently asked me about my team meetings, expressing interest in how I set them up and what I include. Inspired by this, I’m sharing my approach today.
The Power of Failure
I've experimented a lot. One thing that sets me apart from other business coaches is that while others may heavily lean on their successes to teach, I believe in also sharing failures. By being honest about failures, extracting lessons, and turning them into teachable moments, I've gained invaluable insights.
So much of my learning has come from not being afraid to experiment, trying new things, and constantly learning. This journey includes bringing people along with me, figuring out what works, and understanding the ripple effects on the business and the team.
Streamlining Team Meetings Through Purpose, Clarity, and Productivity
When it comes to team meetings, simplicity often wins. Most clients don’t have the right amount of meetings or the appropriate meeting structure that aligns with their goals. Many have too many meetings that are too long and unproductive. So, let’s rethink why we have meetings.
When designing meeting agendas, I start with the intention.
What is the purpose of this meeting?
What is the goal?
Why are we having it?
While this may seem obvious, we often neglect this step. Requests for meetings come in daily, but before agreeing, I always ask, "What are we talking about?" Knowing the purpose saves time, which is our most valuable asset.
Being intentional and organized with our time is crucial. Before putting a meeting on your calendar, ensure there is a dedicated purpose, intention, or goal. If someone requests a meeting, don’t hesitate to ask for its purpose. Time is precious, so protect it.
In my meetings, I use timed agendas to respect everyone's time. Here’s an outline of my typical full team meeting:
Welcome and Introduction: Build human connections by asking about personal lives and creating rapport.
Updates, Announcements, and Celebrations: Start on a high note with wins and achievements, followed by any losses and areas for improvement.
Individual Recognition: Highlight specific achievements and moments of great leadership, communication, or effort from each team member.
Current Goals Updates: Review marketing, sales pipeline, and other key metrics to understand what’s working and what isn’t.
Open for Questions and Ideas: Create space for team members to offer insights, ask questions, and share ideas.
New Goals and Future Planning: Discuss upcoming goals, responsibilities, and the role each team member will play.
Think Tank and Team Ideas: Each team member must bring an idea to the table, fostering ownership and collaboration.
This structure ensures clarity, communication, and a sense of purpose in every meeting. It transforms team meetings from a mundane task into a strategic, goal-oriented session.
From Solopreneur to a true CEO
By fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and heard, we shift from managing every piece of the business to leading with confidence. Embracing this approach helps us move from the solopreneur mindset to being true CEOs who trust and empower their teams.
I hope this rundown of my team meetings is helpful. Adapt these ideas to fit your team size, industry, and business stage. Purposeful and intentional team meetings can significantly impact how you feel about your business and how it runs.
Another way I support mom entrepreneurs lead their business with purpose and intention is through The Mom Founders Inner Circle. Not as another flashy rah-rah program to scale your business, but as a highly impactful 12-months that gives you the tools and skills necessary to change the way you feel, the way you lead, and the way you work – forever.
Imagine running a thriving, scalable business while still being the present and engaged mom you aspire to be. The Mom Founders Inner Circle brings you my proven 3-phase process to gain control of your schedule, lead with confidence, and enjoy more family time while scaling a profitable 7-figure business.
You’re OVER the financial freedom chase. You need your systems and team to do the heavy lifting with operations, so you can focus on your vision for making more impact…and then log off at the end of the day. Grab your spot in The Mom Founders Inner Circle now!
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