July 08, 2025

How To Make Your Strategic Meetings Not Suck

10 minutes

Too many "strategy meetings" are just status updates with snacks. In this episode of 10 Minute Masterclass, Trey Sheneman teaches you how to run high converting strategy meetings that actually produce decisions, clarity, and momentum. Learn the four traits of a real strategic planning session, plus a facilitation framework you can start using with your team immediately.

Key Takeaways

Strategy meetings should work on the business, not just in it.

Bad strategy meetings are expensive procrastination: updates, no decisions, no follow-through.

The 4 traits of effective strategic planning meetings:

Anchored to objectives – Use OKRs or rocks to set goals and measure red, yellow, green status.

Facilitated with a clear agenda – Use the 4 Rs framework: Review, Reframe, Refocus, Realign.

Ends with ownership – Assign clear single owners for each task with deadlines and why it matters.

Follows a consistent rhythm – Weekly, monthly, or quarterly—publish the cadence in advance.

Push for dissent to get true buy-in and avoid groupthink.

Visualization is key: whiteboards, scorecards, real data—not guesses.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00] – Why most strategy meetings suck: updates with no action.

[01:30] – The cost of expensive procrastination.

[03:00] – Trait 1: Anchor to objectives, not opinions.

[05:00] – Using OKRs or rocks to set and review goals.

[06:00] – Trait 2: A clear facilitation agenda using the 4 Rs.

[07:00] – Trait 3: End with single-owner commitments.

[08:00] – Trait 4: Strategic meetings should follow a set rhythm.

[09:00] – Connect strategy meetings to operational meetings for full alignment.

[10:00] – Final tips: visualize, use real data, and push for dissent.

Want to work with Trey and his Team? Then go to Herald: 🔗 Herald – https://www.weareherald.co/ Want to connect with Trey for a follow up question?

Find him on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/treyshen/

Are you ready for predictable growth in your business? Check out the COMPASS: 🔗
https://www.weareherald.co/compass

Want to to learn Trey’s system for being a Fractional Growth Advisor and CMO? Grab the Training: 🔗
https://www.thecompassmethod.co/crashcourse

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