A meeting agenda template that gives the conversation somewhere to go.

What belongs in a useful agenda?

Include the purpose, desired outcome, participants, preparation and discussion topics. Give each topic an owner and a time allowance. End with space to record decisions and next steps. Add a date and meeting link once they are known.

A worked example: choose a launch date

The team has two possible launch dates and an unresolved design approval. The decision is to choose a date or identify the exact information needed to choose one. Before meeting, each owner shares their readiness, blocker and recommendation.

The 30-minute plan

Use 3 minutes to confirm the outcome, 7 minutes to compare readiness and blockers, 12 minutes to weigh the dates and decide, 5 minutes to assign next steps, and 3 minutes to read the decision back. Ask an owner to flag a topic before it runs past its time allowance.

Adapt the format to the conversation

For a brainstorm, replace the decision block with idea generation and selection criteria. For a client kickoff, use it to agree on scope, responsibilities and communication. For a status update, first check whether written responses would give everyone what they need.

Share it where people already look

Place the agenda or its link in the calendar invitation alongside the call link. Make the pre-read and preparation request easy to find. When something changes, update the same shared agenda so people have one current version.

A starting point you can make your own.

Copy this template as it is, or customize it here first. Edits stay in this tab until you leave or refresh.

30-MINUTE DECISION MEETING

Purpose: Choose a launch date.
Desired outcome: Agree on a date, or name the information needed to decide.

Decision-maker: [Name]
Contributors: [Names]
Date / time / call link: [Add when known]

Before the meeting:
Read: [Relevant project summary]
Bring: Your readiness, main blocker and recommended date.

AGENDA
00–03 min | Confirm the outcome | Facilitator
03–10 min | Readiness and blockers | Workstream owners
10–22 min | Compare options and decide | Decision-maker + group
22–27 min | Assign next steps | Action owners
27–30 min | Confirm the decision and recap | Facilitator

OUTCOME
Decision:
Unresolved question:
Next step / owner / due date:
Who needs the update:

A couple of useful questions.