The Surprising Science of Meetings by Steven G. Rogelberg Summary

The Surprising Science of Meetings provides evidence-based strategies to transform unproductive meetings into efficient, engaging sessions. Drawing on 15+ years of research and surveys of 5,000+ employees, Rogelberg identifies common meeting pitfalls (e.g., poor time management, disengagement) and offers actionable fixes, such as optimizing attendee lists and refining agendas. The book combines organizational psychology with real-world examples to help leaders eliminate wasted time and boost outcomes.

This book is essential for managers, team leaders, and employees who regularly organize or attend meetings. It’s particularly valuable for professionals in corporate, tech, or nonprofit sectors seeking data-driven methods to reduce meeting fatigue and improve collaboration. Rogelberg’s insights cater to both novice leaders and seasoned executives aiming to foster accountability and productivity.

Yes—the book is praised for its actionable advice and rigorous research. Business Insider calls it “compelling,” while organizational psychologist Adam Grant hails Rogelberg as the “world’s leading expert on how to fix meetings.” Readers gain tools to shorten meetings, engage participants, and measure success, making it a high-ROD (return on decisions) resource for workplace efficiency.

Core ideas include:

• Optimal meeting length: Shorter, focused sessions outperform marathons.
• Participant psychology: Smaller groups (4-7 people) enhance engagement.
• Agenda design: Prioritize critical topics and allocate time proportionally.
• Host accountability: Leaders must model preparedness and solicit feedback.

Rogelberg also debunks myths, like the necessity of weekly status updates.

Unlike generic leadership guides, Rogelberg’s work zeroes in on meetings as a microcosm of organizational health. While books like Atomic Habits focus on personal routines, this title offers a systems-level approach to collective efficiency. It’s frequently compared to Patrick Lencioni’s Death by Meeting but stands out for its empirical depth and focus on behavioral science.

• Cancel unnecessary meetings: 15-20% of meetings could be eliminated with no downside.
• Use a “reverse agenda”: List decisions needed first, then allocate time.
• Encourage “meeting sprints”: Cap discussions at 45 minutes to maintain focus.
• Rotate facilitators: Reduces leader bias and fosters inclusivity.

Some reviewers note the advice leans heavily on corporate settings, with less guidance for remote or hybrid environments. Others suggest the book could explore systemic causes of meeting dysfunction (e.g., organizational culture) more deeply. However, its practicality and research-backed framework outweigh these gaps.

While primarily focused on in-person interactions, Rogelberg’s principles apply universally: clear agendas, minimized multitasking, and proactive timekeeping. He emphasizes camera-on policies and using breakout rooms for large virtual groups—a prescient take given the post-2020 shift to remote work.

• “A meeting’s success is determined before it even begins.” (Agenda design)
• “Overconfidence is the enemy of effective facilitation.” (Host accountability)
• “Meetings are a mirror of your organization’s health.” (Cultural impact)

With 55 million daily U.S. meetings wasting $1.4 trillion annually, Rogelberg’s strategies remain critical as workplaces grapple with AI-driven scheduling tools and Gen Z’s demand for efficiency. The book’s focus on psychological safety and inclusivity aligns with modern DEI priorities, making it a timely resource for evolving teams.

Rogelberg, a UNC Charlotte Chancellor’s Professor and recipient of the Humboldt Award, merges academic rigor with real-world consulting experience (e.g., Google, Bank of America). His research on “meeting recovery” and attendee psychology underpins the book’s credibility, earning endorsements from thought leaders like Dan Pink.

For complementary reads, consider:

• Death by Meeting (Patrick Lencioni): Story-driven approach to meeting culture.
• Deep Work (Cal Newport): Aligns with Rogelberg’s focus on reducing distractions.
• Glad We Met (Rogelberg’s 2024 book): Expands on 1:1 meeting strategies.