How a Simple “Parking Lot” Can Create More Effective Team Meetings
When I recently spent a day facilitating a session with a leadership team, one simple tool turned out to be their biggest takeaway: a “Parking Lot.”
All I did was write “Parking Lot” at the top of a flip chart and post it on the wall.
The idea was simple: whenever someone brought up a topic unrelated to the meeting’s purpose, we added it to the parking lot to revisit later.
This single move kept discussions focused and prevented tangents from hijacking the agenda.
For teams using collaborative platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams, this practice is just as easy to implement virtually.
Simply create a shared document labeled “Parking Lot” and add items as they come up.
But here’s the important thing to remember. Before the meeting ends, circle back to the parking lot and either assign follow-ups or decide what needs a separate conversation.
The parking lot isn’t a new idea, but it’s underused and it can transform your meeting culture.
By respecting people’s time, focusing on priorities, and ensuring nothing gets lost, you create meetings that feel both efficient and effective for all.
Read more: Why Am I Talking? Using WAIT to Improve Meetings
