Meetings & Prep

Short routines for the half hour before and after a meeting, so you walk in ready and leave with the follow ups done.

Meeting Prep: Re-read the agenda, write your notes and questions, and arrive a few minutes early. (3 time blocks, 20 min)
Jeff Bezos Silent Memo Review: Adopt the Jeff Bezos narrative memo routine by starting critical meetings with thirty minutes of silent reading before discussion. (4 time blocks, 60 min)
Amazon Silent Memo Preparation: Prepare structured narrative documents for meeting quiet reads by drafting clear prose, adding data appendices, and clarifying decisions. (5 time blocks, 50 min)
Sheryl Sandberg Itemized Meeting Prep: Prepare for any discussion using the Sheryl Sandberg meeting routine. Map out action items on a single notepad page to keep discussions fast and focused. (4 time blocks, 11 min)
Stanley McChrystal Rapid After-Action Review: Stanley McChrystal after action review structure captures meeting outcomes through four direct questions. Use this quick debrief to turn team discussions into clear commitments and operational learning. (4 time blocks, 12 min)
Gary Klein Premortem Risk Analysis: Spot project flaws before launch with Gary Klein premortem risk analysis. The team assumes failure in advance to uncover hidden flaws and refine project milestones. (6 time blocks, 55 min)
Chris Anderson TED Talk Preparation: A structured speaker rehearsal session based on the Chris Anderson presentation routine. Refine your central idea, master delivery pacing, and handle hard questions. (5 time blocks, 70 min)
Edward de Bono Six Thinking Hats Workshop: Examine complex problems from six distinct perspectives to reduce conflict and make clearer decisions. This structured exercise moves teams systematically through facts, emotions, risks, optimism, and novel solutions. (7 time blocks, 60 min)
Jeff Sutherland Agile Daily Standup: The Jeff Sutherland daily standup is a crisp 15 minute alignment meeting where team members answer three core questions. Everyone shares what they finished, what they plan to do next, and what blockers stand in their way. (5 time blocks, 15 min)
Verne Harnish Rockefeller Daily Huddle: A structured 15-minute team check-in based on the Verne Harnish daily huddle framework. Align on metrics, state top priorities, and identify operational bottlenecks. (4 time blocks, 15 min)
Patrick Lencioni Five Minute Standup: Coordinate daily logistics and team whereabouts using the Patrick Lencioni daily standup framework. Keep your team aligned in under five minutes without slipping into lengthy debates. (4 time blocks, 5 min)
Amy Cuddy Workplace Confidence Reset: Calm pre-performance anxiety and prepare for high-stakes tasks using this 7 minute Amy Cuddy power pose routine. (5 time blocks, 7 min)
Chris Voss Accusation Audit Prep: Prepare for difficult conversations using Chris Voss negotiation routine principles by listing negative assumptions, regulating emotion, and framing tough truths early. (5 time blocks, 15 min)
Harvard Negotiation Project Conversation Prep: Prepare for challenging interpersonal discussions using the framework developed by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. This 25 minute process helps you separate facts from assumptions, manage emotional triggers, and frame discussions constructively. (5 time blocks, 25 min)
Nonviolent Communication Hard News Prep: A structured preparation sequence grounded in Nonviolent Communication to help you deliver difficult news clearly and empathetically. Learn how delivering bad news preparation reduces anxiety and keeps conversations focused. (5 time blocks, 35 min)
Kim Scott Radical Candor Feedback Prep: Prepare clear and compassionate news using Kim Scott Radical Candor feedback principles. Draft direct observations, define impacts, and plan active listening without sugarcoating. (5 time blocks, 20 min)
Netflix Four As Feedback Preparation: Prepare constructive feedback using the Netflix feedback framework by evaluating intent, concrete actions, and impact before speaking. (5 time blocks, 15 min)
Chris Voss Pre Call Negotiation Preparation: Chris Voss negotiation prep centers on drafting accusation audits, framing calibrated questions, and practicing a calm vocal tone before dialing. (5 time blocks, 20 min)
Barack Obama Late Night Briefing Review: Barack Obama's meeting prep routine centered on late night briefing reviews in the White House Treaty Room. This structured session translates his quiet document analysis into a practical night-before preparation method. (5 time blocks, 70 min)
Atlassian Project Canvas Alignment: An explicit team alignment framework based on the Atlassian Team Playbook. Use this 60 minute Atlassian project canvas alignment routine to clarify goals, define scope boundaries, and assign ownership before launching a project. (5 time blocks, 60 min)
Jake Knapp Lightning Decision Jam: Replace open-ended meeting debate with Jake Knapp's Lightning Decision Jam, a 40 minute structured exercise to isolate problems and map high impact solutions. (8 time blocks, 40 min)
Lincoln Murphy Desired Outcome Kickoff: Run a structured 45 minute Lincoln Murphy desired outcome kickoff to align new clients on functional goals and experience expectations. (5 time blocks, 45 min)
Amy Cuddy Power Pose Interview Warm Up: Prepare for high-stakes evaluations using Amy Cuddy's pre-interview routine to build genuine presence through posture and mental alignment. (5 time blocks, 13 min)
Gayle Laakmann McDowell Technical Interview Practice: Practice coding problems using this technical interview practice routine based on Gayle Laakmann McDowell's method. Work out loud, write code by hand, and verify manually before running in an editor. (5 time blocks, 50 min)
Andy Grove One on One Preparation: A 25 minute prep sequence based on Andy Grove's one on one preparation model from High Output Management. (5 time blocks, 25 min)
Matt Mochary Manager Check-In Prep: Prepare for high-impact 1-on-1s with the Matt Mochary manager check in prep method by reviewing updates asynchronously before live meetings. (4 time blocks, 15 min)
SmartBear Pre Review Diff Check: SmartBear study data shows code reviews are most effective under 400 lines. This SmartBear code review prep sequence ensures diffs are clean, tested, and annotated before peer inspection. (4 time blocks, 25 min)
Marshall Rosenberg NVC Dialogue Prep: Prepare for challenging conversations using Marshall Rosenberg four step framework. This nonviolent communication dialogue preparation clarifies facts, emotions, core needs, and actionable requests. (5 time blocks, 20 min)
Oren Klaff Pitch Frame Setup: Prepare for high stakes phone calls using Oren Klaff pitch prep methods to control status dynamics and set strong frames. (5 time blocks, 25 min)
Sheila Heen Difficult Conversation Mapping: Prepare for hard feedback discussions using Sheila Heen's difficult conversation mapping approach. Map perceptions, separate intent from impact, and frame a neutral opening. (6 time blocks, 30 min)
William Ury Harvard Negotiation Prep: Prepare for important conversations using the Harvard Negotiation Project framework developed by William Ury. This step by step William Ury negotiation preparation routine helps you clarify interests, build a strong BATNA, and stay calm under pressure. (5 time blocks, 60 min)
Keith Ferrazzi Pre-Event Preparation: Prepare for high-value networking events using the Keith Ferrazzi pre-event routine. Research target connections, establish shared focal points, and frame every interaction around generosity. (4 time blocks, 30 min)
SPIKES Difficult News Preparation: A 15 minute structured preparation using the SPIKES framework to deliver difficult news with clarity and empathy. (5 time blocks, 15 min)
Amy Cuddy Professional Introduction Warm Up: Amy Cuddy presence routine uses expansive body language, value reflection, and breath control to prepare for high stakes presentations. This ten minute warm up builds confidence before entering an important meeting or introduction. (5 time blocks, 10 min)
Vanessa Van Edwards Social Hook Pitch: Refine your elevator pitch using research backed social hooks and vocal cues. Build warmth and competence before entering high stakes networking. (4 time blocks, 20 min)
Harvard Negotiation Project Conversation Exit: Learn how to execute a Harvard Negotiation Project difficult conversation exit without escalating conflict. This 12 minute framework guides you through closing dialogue, setting clear next steps, and logging personal debrief notes. (5 time blocks, 12 min)
Chris Voss Tactical Empathy Exit: A structured method based on former FBI negotiator Chris Voss conversation exit principles to disengage from tough discussions without damaging relationships. It uses emotion labeling, perspective summaries, and calibrated questions to pause the dialogue smoothly. (4 time blocks, 6 min)
Chris Anderson Presentation Morning Prep: Prepare for high-stakes public speaking using principles from TED head Chris Anderson. This presentation day morning routine focuses on physical ease, opening lines, and mindset. (5 time blocks, 45 min)
Candidate Reference Briefing Alignment: Prepare your professional references with clear context and aligned project stories before submitting candidate reference briefing preparation details to a prospective employer. (4 time blocks, 35 min)
Reference Request Preparation: A structured 25 minute process to organize professional references, draft background context briefs, and confirm contact availability. This reference request preparation routine ensures former colleagues are fully informed before prospective employers call. (4 time blocks, 25 min)
Ramit Sethi Closed Loop Prep: Prepare for mentor conversations using the Ramit Sethi mentor prep routine. Compile proof of action, frame specific questions, and close the loop on past advice. (5 time blocks, 40 min)
Lara Hogan First One on One Onboarding Prep: Prepare for a direct report's onboarding meeting using Lara Hogan's first one on one prep questions regarding feedback, praise, and stress signals. (4 time blocks, 20 min)
SBAR Clinical Shift Handover: Execute a concise SBAR clinical shift handover to transfer patient care safely and communicate critical clinical updates between medical shifts. (6 time blocks, 15 min)
Alison Green Constructive Exit Audit: Prepare for a departure meeting using the Alison Green exit interview preparation framework to share constructive feedback while protecting professional relationships. (4 time blocks, 35 min)
Alan Weiss Post Engagement Value Review: This structured client offboarding routine guides consultants through a 45 minute value review inspired by author Alan Weiss. Measure documented ROI, secure testimonials, and explore retainer options. (5 time blocks, 45 min)
Mom Test Customer Interview Prep: Prepare for discovery calls with the Mom Test customer interview routine. Focus on real past behavior, strip out hypotheticals, and lock in clear learning goals. (5 time blocks, 30 min)
Teresa Torres Continuous Discovery Prep: Prepare product teams for customer discovery sessions using Teresa Torres customer interview prep principles. Frame specific story prompts, assign trio roles, and set up synthesis templates. (5 time blocks, 20 min)
Y Combinator Pitch Prep: Prepare for high stakes investor meetings with this Y Combinator pitch preparation sequence. Refine your concise one-liner, review traction metrics, and rehearse rapid answers to tough questions. (6 time blocks, 45 min)
Andreessen Horowitz Red Team Pitch Review: Stress test a startup pitch deck with an a16z red team pitch review by roleplaying sharp VC counterarguments and systematically dismantling weak assumptions. (5 time blocks, 60 min)
Priya Parker Gathering Design: Design meaningful community events using the Priya Parker gathering routine, focusing on clear purpose, guest priming, and threshold experiences. (4 time blocks, 45 min)
Peter Block Room Setup for Belonging: Prepare a gathering space using the Peter Block room setup routine to remove physical barriers and foster equal participation. (5 time blocks, 35 min)