It is almost common knowledge that the world’s top business leaders are not cookie-cutter replicas of each other. Unique, often eccentric, these leaders rise to the top because, not in spite of, their ways of doing business. Here is a quick overview of some of these leader’s idiosyncratic approaches to holding and running meetings.
Streamline
Much like Apple’s core design philosophy, Steve Jobs ran meetings in an efficient, streamlined manner. If a participant added no value to the meeting, Jobs kicked them out.
Chairs
Some researchers suggest holding meetings with no chairs. The lack of sitting speeds up the meetings and keeps wasted time to a minimum. Alternatively, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, brings an extra chair to each meeting. The chair, which remains empty, serves as a reminder that the customer is present everywhere.
Death To PowerPoint
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, votes for no more slides of boring text. If you have to fill up your meeting with visuals, make them dynamic and interesting.
Avoid Scheduling Far In Advance
Warren Buffet avoids scheduling meetings more than a day in advance. In this manner, he keeps meetings focused on things relevant.
Decisions Trump Meetings
Traditionally, many business decisions require meetings. Google CEO Larry Page, however, is not traditional and nor is the business he runs. The Google rule of meetings: a decision should never wait for a meeting.
Keep Everyone Informed
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, wants to be informed before the meeting. To that end, team members are encouraged to send materials and information before the scheduled meeting so Ballmer can enter the meeting prepared to ask questions.
Timeliness
Most business guides suggest running meetings like clockwork. Marissa Mayer, President and CEO of Yahoo, walks a different line, apparently routinely showing up late for meetings. However, it remains unclear if this is an intentional tactic or not.