When a meeting is filled with too many people there’s a question we should always ask ourselves “What’s everyone’s role?” Because the thing is: If we do have a role, then it should be clear what our contribution is going to look like.

If we don’t it subtly says that we can talk whenever we want, but the whole point of a meeting (if really needed) should be to align everyone on the topics, to move forward.

If we add too many people there’s always the risk that the conversation will take many detours and that’s not what we want. We should fight as much as possible to keep the conversation tidy and clean, small and concise, effective and open.