Meetings

Definition
Meetings are structured gatherings used to exchange information, coordinate activity, or make decisions. Their purpose is to align participants around shared understanding, resolve uncertainty, and determine next actions. Meetings exist when information, judgment, or coordination cannot be efficiently handled through existing systems or documentation.

Example
Meetings appear throughout accounting and finance work. Teams review financial results, discuss forecast changes, coordinate deadlines during close, or resolve issues affecting execution. Participants share updates, clarify responsibilities, and determine how work should proceed. When effective, meetings resolve uncertainty quickly and allow work to continue with clear direction.

Posture
Frequent or lengthy meetings signal missing structure, unclear ownership, or weak systems. When information must be repeatedly explained, decisions repeatedly discussed, or responsibilities repeatedly clarified, the burden of coordination remains with people rather than with design. Strong environments reduce the need for meetings by embedding information flow, reporting, and ownership into systems and processes. Meetings remain necessary for decisions and complex coordination, but routine execution no longer depends on constant discussion.