Rule for Better Meetings: Two Pizza Strategy

Meetings play a crucial role in corporate environments as they provide an opportunity for teams to discuss ideas, strategize plans, and make decisions that drive the company forward. Unfortunately, most meetings tend to be counterproductive, time-consuming, and ineffective. Studies show that individuals spend an average of 31 hours a month in unproductive meetings, leading to a loss of nearly $37 billion per year in the U.S. alone.

The Two Pizza Strategy is a meeting approach that is designed to combat the inefficiencies associated with corporate gatherings. This strategy, first introduced by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, suggests that meetings should be organized in such a way that only the necessary personnel are in attendance, and the number of attendees should not exceed what could be fed by two pizzas. Adopting this methodology will undoubtedly lead to better productivity in meetings, allowing individuals to use their time and energy more effectively on core job functions rather than wasting it in unproductive meetings.

Benefits of the Two Pizza Strategy

Below are some of the benefits that come with using the Two Pizza Strategy:

1. Boosted Productivity: Meetings are known to consume a considerable part of employees’ workday, leading to little time for core job functions. By using the Two Pizza Strategy, you minimize the number of attendees, converting large meetings with no clear agenda to small meetings with specific agendas. Consequently, attendees can focus on core job duties, which positively impacts their output and productivity.
2. Efficient Communication: It’s not uncommon to have people attend meetings because they fear missing out, but have little or no contribution to the particular agenda of the meeting. The Two Pizza rule makes sure that only relevant personnel attend meetings while encouraging communication efficiency. This reduced attendance level also ensures that all attendees effectively communicate, share ideas, and make key decisions in a timely fashion.
3. Better Collaboration: Smaller meetings promote better team collaboration. With less time spent on irrelevant discussions, attendees can focus their energy on more valuable discussions. This leads to better team results and helps strengthen their working relationships.
4. Reduced Expenses: Organizing a meeting involves various expenses such as travel costs, food, and meeting room rentals. Using the Two Pizza Strategy reduces the number of attendees, leading to significantly reduced expenses.

Tips for Implementing the Two Pizza Strategy

Here are some tips to ensure successful implementation of the Two Pizza Rule:

1. Identify the Necessary Attendees: Before setting a meeting, identify the critical personnel that should attend. Keep in mind that the individuals should have a genuine contribution to the agenda in question.
2. Be Explicit About the Meeting Agenda: Your meeting’s agenda should be specific and straightforward. This ensures compliance and communication efficiency during the meeting, which ultimately leads to productive outcomes.
3. Limit Meeting Time: Keeping your meetings short also contributes significantly to productivity. The Two Pizza Strategy suggests a maximum of two hours for each meeting.
4. Set Goals and Timelines: During your meeting’s agenda, set goals and timelines. This ensures that everyone is aware of the desired outcome and the time set to reach the goals.
5. Record Meetings: Take notes and record your meetings, ensuring that all crucial discussions are reviewed and documented for future reference.

Examples of the Two Pizza Strategy in Action

Below are some real-world examples of the Two Pizza Strategy that have been used successfully over the years:

1. Amazon: As the founder of the Two Pizza Strategy himself, Jeff Bezos has led Amazon to adopt this methodology consistently. Amazon’s culture values productivity, and their meetings are always structured to ensure efficiency. This is feasible by limiting the number of attendees and ensuring that core personnel are present in the meetings.
2. Apple: Apple is known for their product innovations and launches. According to former Apple executive Jean-Louis Gasse, Steve Jobs used the Two Pizza Strategy to help launch some of Apple’s iconic products. This included the launch of the iPod and iPhone.
3. Google: Google has embraced the Two Pizza Strategy over the years. They routinely conduct weekly meetings known as “TGIF” (Thank God It’s Friday) where only cross-functional department personnel attend. This encourages better collaboration, efficiency, and productive outcomes.
4. Virgin: Virgin CEO Richard Branson is known for his unorthodox approach to business management. Branson values efficiency, and this is reflected in his use of the Two Pizza Strategy. He ensures that all his employees actively participate in meetings and that they provide significant input towards achieving identified goals.

Meetings are a necessity in any corporate environment. However, poorly structured meetings can lead to a considerable loss of valuable time and expenses. Jeff Bezos introduced the Two Pizza Strategy to help optimize meetings and make them productive. By implementing this meeting approach, you can help your company achieve better communication, collaboration, and efficiency. Always remember to keep your meetings specific, involve the necessary attendees, set timelines, limit maximum attendance and time, and document the meeting.

Implementing the Two Pizza Strategy will inevitably have a significant impact on your productivity levels, ensuring that your employees use their valuable time and energy more productively.