How often have you left a meeting and said, “That could’ve been an email?” We’ve all been there—endless meetings that drain energy, blur purpose, and stall progress. When Chris Westfall welcomed me to contribute to his latest Forbes article on eliminating ineffective meetings, I knew this was a timely and necessary conversation. In leadership, communication isn’t enough—we must pursue clarity. That’s why many professionals ask, “How can I make my meetings more productive?” The answer lies in intentional planning and execution.

That’s why I developed the STRUCTURE Framework: a simple acronym to help leaders prepare, communicate, and lead intentional meetings that produce action—not confusion.

Quick Preview: Read the Forbes Article

Check out the full article here:
How To Stop Useless Meetings: New STRUCTURE for Transparent Leadership

Why STRUCTURE Matters, and how can it make meetings more productive?

Too many organizations mistake motion for progress. But without clarity, meetings can become a form of organizational procrastination. The STRUCTURE Framework cuts through the fog by providing nine essential elements every effective meeting needs.

The STRUCTURE Framework: A Leader’s Guide to Productive Meetings

Here’s a breakdown of the acronym I developed:

• Set Boundaries: Protect focus time by scheduling uninterrupted work periods.
• Touchpoints: Establish regular one-on-ones and team meetings for consistent communication.
• Replace ‘Pop-ups’ and ‘Pop-ins’: Align updates to a regular cadence to minimize spontaneous meetings.
• Use Anonymous Feedback: Implement surveys or digital platforms to gather honest input.
• Context Over Control: Provide strategic intent without micromanaging, following leadership examples like Netflix.
• Track Communication Effectiveness: Regularly assess if messages are understood and acted upon.
• Unify Feedback Loops: Create channels for cross-functional discussions to ensure alignment.
• Reach Out Proactively: Initiate contact with team members to offer support and guidance.
• Engage Broadly: Involve diverse perspectives across departments to enrich decision-making.

FREE Printable Tool

To help you apply this framework in your own team meetings, I’ve created a free STRUCTURE One-Sheeter you can download, print, and bring to every meeting.

Let’s Talk Leadership That Lasts

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you lead a business, a military team, a nonprofit, or a classroom, STRUCTURE helps you lead with purpose and clarity.

What’s Next?

• Bookmark the Forbes article
• Download the printable STRUCTURE tool
• Try this framework in your next meeting
• Leave a comment or email me—how did it go?

Let’s Connect
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LinkedIn: Olaolu Ogunyemi

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Stay purposeful, stay connected, and remember—clarity builds confidence.