10 Running Meetings Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What if everything you thought about appearing competent in meetings was turned on its head? This book delivers a sharp, humorous look at the subtle behaviors people use to seem engaged and intelligent, from strategic nodding to well-timed rhetorical questions. You learn to recognize these social maneuvers and even consider when to deploy them yourself, making it a great fit if you want to navigate office dynamics with a bit of wit. The chapters break down tricks for every meeting type, including those last-minute impromptu gatherings, offering a mix of satire and insight that reveals the unspoken rules of corporate communication.

Brian Tarallo’s extensive background in facilitation and visual consulting shapes this guide that tackles the frustrations of virtual meetings head-on. You’ll learn how to manage common online meeting pitfalls like technical glitches, disengagement, and difficult personalities, while fostering trust and inclusion. The book offers practical techniques such as new etiquette rules and decision-making methods that stick, making your virtual sessions more engaging and effective. Whether you use Zoom, Teams, or any platform, this concise manual helps you recognize and defeat the ‘Meeting Monsters’ that derail productivity. If you want to improve your online meeting skills with clear, no-nonsense strategies, this book will serve you well, though it’s best suited for those already familiar with basic meeting practices.

This tailored book explores the art of running meetings by focusing precisely on your unique challenges and goals. It covers essential elements such as effective meeting leadership, participant engagement, and agenda design while weaving in your background and preferred meeting styles. By tailoring content to your specific needs, the book reveals how to navigate common obstacles and optimize your approach to various meeting formats, including virtual and hybrid settings. Readers benefit from a personalized pathway that deepens understanding of facilitation techniques and decision-making practices, making each session more purposeful and productive. This personalized guide ensures you gain practical knowledge that matches your interests and addresses the distinct dynamics of your meetings.

Steven G. Rogelberg, a Chancellor's Professor at UNC Charlotte and recipient of the Humboldt Award, brings a research-driven perspective to the pervasive problem of ineffective meetings. Drawing on data from over 5,000 employees across industries, he reveals why meetings often drain productivity and how leaders can reverse that trend using evidence-based practices. You’ll discover concrete techniques for engaging participants, avoiding groupthink, and respecting everyone's time, with chapters that break down what to do before, during, and after meetings to maximize impact. This book is particularly useful if you lead teams or frequently participate in meetings and want to make those hours more purposeful and efficient.

Peg Francis and Fred Francis drew on decades of practical experience across schools, businesses, churches, and community groups to craft rules that simplify the complexity of democratic meetings. Their book breaks down the barriers of traditional parliamentary procedures, offering straightforward language and a tested framework that encourages full participation and balances majority rule with minority rights. For instance, the inclusion of a sample meeting and answers to common questions demystifies the process, making it accessible whether you're leading a small nonprofit or a large formal assembly. If you want meetings that are fair, efficient, and respectful, this book equips you with the tools to make that happen without getting lost in jargon or rigid formality.

Cameron Herold challenges the common belief that meetings are inherently unproductive, arguing instead that the problem lies in how they’re run. Drawing on decades of experience building multimillion-dollar companies, he teaches you how to transform meetings into focused, time-efficient gatherings that actually drive business results. The book walks you through practical systems like defining clear agendas and deciding which meetings are truly necessary, with real-world examples such as Elon Musk’s approach to cutting pointless meetings. If you’re tired of wasting time in endless discussions, this book offers a realistic blueprint for making meetings work for you and your team.

This tailored book explores a rapid improvement plan designed to transform your meetings within 30 days by focusing on daily, actionable steps. It covers essential techniques for effective planning, facilitation, and engagement, all tailored to your specific background and goals. By concentrating on your interests, it reveals how to structure meetings that energize participants and drive results, blending expert insights with your unique context. This personalized approach ensures that each chapter matches your experience level, making complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable. The result is a focused pathway to mastering meeting leadership, communication, and decision-making skills without the overwhelm of generic advice.

Jim Slaughter is a seasoned parliamentarian and attorney whose extensive experience with national organizations informs this straightforward guide to parliamentary procedure. You’ll learn how to conduct meetings that are shorter, fairer, and more organized by mastering key motions, voting protocols, and agenda management based on Robert’s Rules of Order. The book offers clear advice on handling common challenges like disruptive members and difficult chairs, with practical examples such as how to break tie votes or manage absentee ballots. Whether you’re a board member, committee chair, or volunteer leader, this book equips you with the core skills to run effective meetings without getting bogged down by complexity.

What started as a practical challenge for busy managers evolved into Nikki Highmore Sims' detailed approach to workshops and meetings that actually engage and produce results. She draws from her extensive experience in management and education to guide you through designing sessions that avoid the typical pitfalls of dull lectures and overwhelming slides. You’ll learn specific strategies for shifting focus onto participants, crafting memorable content without overloading on PowerPoint, and tackling common hurdles like starting from scratch or improving underwhelming past sessions. This book is well suited for anyone who leads teams but isn't a professional trainer and wants to make meetings more effective and enjoyable.

Henry M. Robert, drawing on his expertise in parliamentary procedure, crafted this manual to bring clarity and order to group decision-making processes. You’ll find detailed explanations of motions, voting procedures, and meeting conduct designed to ensure fairness and efficiency. Chapters break down complex rules into practical guidelines, making it easier for you to manage discussions and avoid common pitfalls in formal meetings. This book suits anyone who leads or participates in structured assemblies, from nonprofit boards to corporate committees, seeking a dependable framework for governance.

Jim Slaughter's decades as a Certified Professional Parliamentarian and attorney shape this concise guide to parliamentary procedure tailored for today's meetings. You learn precise tactics for managing motions, debates, voting nuances, and even controlling disruptions, all grounded in the latest 12th Edition of Robert's Rules. Chapters on setting agendas and recording minutes offer clarity, while new sections address virtual meeting challenges. If you lead or participate in formal meetings needing structure and fairness, this book provides the essentials without unnecessary detail.

The breakthrough moment came when Ingrid Bens drew on over twenty-five years as a consultant and workshop leader to craft a guide that truly demystifies facilitation. You’ll learn concrete skills for steering meetings that produce results rather than frustration, including managing difficult personalities, handling conflict, and leveraging exercises and surveys to keep teams engaged. Chapters on questioning techniques and adapting to diverse and virtual teams provide fresh insights that reflect today’s workplace realities. This book suits anyone tasked with leading groups—from managers to consultants—who want to transform meetings into focused, effective collaborations without wasting time.