How to Use Exclusion to Make Your Meetings More Effective

Learn how Priya Parker’s principle of intentional exclusion can transform your meetings into focused, engaging, and productive gatherings

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Canva Team

Meetings are a staple of professional life. But how often do the meetings you attend feel disorganized, unfocused, or simply a waste of time? Too often, leaders attempt to solve this problem by aiming for inclusivity — inviting everyone to foster transparency and collaboration. This approach has the opposite effect of creating an environment where nobody fully engages, and the purpose of the meeting fades into the background.

Enter Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering. Parker’s radical perspective on intentional gatherings flips conventional thinking on its head. Her central argument? Exclusion, when done thoughtfully and deliberately, leads to stronger, more meaningful gatherings. This principle doesn’t just apply to personal events or conferences but can radically transform the way we run meetings.

Let’s explore Parker’s concept of exclusion, how it applies to the modern workplace, and actionable ways leaders can use this approach to create effective, engaging meetings.

The Problem with Meetings Today

Here’s a scenario that may feel familiar to you. A leader schedules a recurring…