Efficient meeting tip: the Two Pizza Rule

Meetings are a powerful way to build collaboration and achieve goals. However, they can also be time-consuming and frustrating if not carried out effectively. What is the secret to ensuring that meetings are efficient and productive? It’s simple – the Two Pizza Rule.

The Two Pizza Rule is a powerful yet straightforward concept that can transform the way you approach meetings. In this article, we will discuss the details of the Two Pizza Rule, its advantages, and how to execute it in your organization.

What is the Two Pizza Rule?

The Two Pizza Rule, introduced by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is a simple concept – limit the number of attendees in a meeting to no more than can be fed by two pizzas. The idea behind this rule is that as the number of attendees in a meeting increases, the amount of productive discussion and collaboration tends to decrease.

Research by Harvard Business Review states that the average number of attendees in a meeting is 12 people, which is too high for productive collaboration. The Two Pizza Rule suggests no more than 6-8 attendees in a meeting, providing a more streamlined and productive discussion.

The Benefits of the Two Pizza Rule

1. More Productive Conversations:
   When there are too many people in a meeting, it is often challenging for everyone to participate. The conversation can become fragmented, and the meeting can end up as a waste of time. With the Two Pizza Rule, the number of attendees is limited, allowing for more productive conversations and active participation from everyone present.
2. Better Decision Making:
   Meetings are often held to make decisions, but when there are too many people in the room, decision making can become complicated. With more attendees, reaching a consensus becomes harder, and the decision-making process can take much longer. The Two Pizza Rule limits the number of attendees, making decision-making more efficient and effective.
3. Time-Saving:
   Meetings can be incredibly time-consuming, often taking up hours of everyone’s day. When meetings are attended by too many people, they can take even longer, as everyone needs to have a chance to share their thoughts. With the Two Pizza Rule, meetings are kept short and sweet, saving everyone time and increasing productivity.
4. Increased Focus:
   When there are too many people in a meeting, it can be challenging to stay focused on the topic at hand. The conversation can quickly become sidetracked, leading to wasted time and energy. By limiting the number of attendees, the discussion can remain focused, ensuring that the meeting stays on topic and that everyone stays engaged.

How to Implement the Two Pizza Rule

1. Identify the Purpose of the Meeting:
   Before scheduling a meeting, be clear about its purpose and whether or not it requires a group discussion. If the purpose of the meeting is to provide an update, it may be more appropriate to send an email or hold a one-on-one conversation with the relevant parties. If the meeting is necessary, ensure that the agenda is clear, and that everyone invited has a specific purpose for being there.
2. Be Selective with Attendees:
   When choosing who to invite to a meeting, be selective. Only invite those who have a direct and necessary role or responsibility in the meeting’s purpose or outcome. This approach will help ensure that there is active participation, and everyone present plays a necessary role.
3. Plan Accordingly:
   When planning a meeting, keep in mind the Two Pizza Rule. Limit the number of attendees to a maximum of 6-8 people. Ensure that the conference room is appropriately sized, and that there is enough space for everyone to be comfortable. Make sure that there is enough time allocated for each agenda item and that everyone invited is aware of the meeting’s length.
4. Stay on Topic:
   During the meeting, ensure that the conversation remains on topic. If necessary, assign a moderator to steer the conversation back to the agenda items. Consider sharing the agenda with attendees beforehand so that they can come prepared with the necessary information.
5. Follow Up:
   After the conference is over, follow up with everyone in attendance to ensure that there is clarity on the outcome and next steps. This follow-up can be done through an email or memo summarizing the meeting’s conclusions. It’s essential to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that any action items are clear.

Conclusion

The Two Pizza Rule is a simple yet powerful concept that can transform your meetings. By limiting the number of attendees and staying focused on the agenda, your meetings can become more productive, effective, and efficient. This approach results in better collaboration, improved decision-making, time savings, and increased focus. So, the next time you’re planning a meeting, remember the Two Pizza Rule and make the most out of your time!