Welcome to another week with Boundless!

Reader,

You’re here because you’re serious about growing as a leader, and we’re here to support you. Boundless offers the tools, insights, and community to help you lead with confidence. Remember, leadership isn’t a solo journey—together, we can unlock your full potential.

The success of any organization comes down to its people. As a new manager, you’ve got an important job—finding great talent, helping your team grow, and getting things done. There’s so much potential in the people you lead, but unlocking it takes effort and the right approach. Today, we’re digging into some practical ways to help you bring out the best in your team and make a real difference.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

• How to Run a Meeting Like a Pro (Even if You’re New to It)​
  Discover strategies to plan and lead meetings that are productive, engaging, and leave everyone clear on next steps.
• The Power of 1:1s: Building Individual Connection and Driving Team Success​
  Learn how meaningful one-on-one conversations can improve performance, strengthen relationships, and boost morale.
• Input and Feedback is the Secret to Your Team's Success​
  Explore why creating space for feedback is critical and how it can transform your team’s performance and trust.
• Unlock the Power of Your Boundless Network - Take a Look at Who's Inside​
  Get inspired by the incredible leaders within our Boundless community and learn how to tap into this rich network for growth and support.

This week is packed with practical tips and insights to help you lead with confidence. Let’s make it count!

How to Run a Meeting Like a Pro (Even if You’re New to It)

When Jeff Bezos introduced the “two-pizza rule” at Amazon, he wasn’t just being quirky. The idea was simple: no meeting should involve more people than two pizzas can feed. Why? Because smaller groups lead to sharper discussions, more accountability, and faster decision-making.

As a new manager, you might not be running multi-billion-dollar projects (yet!), but mastering how to lead an effective meeting can set you apart. Meetings are where decisions are made, progress is tracked, and ideas come to life—or where time is wasted. Here’s how to ensure yours fall into the first category.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Meeting

Not all meetings are created equal. Before you schedule one, ask yourself: What kind of meeting is this?

• Status Update: Sharing progress, updates, or metrics. Keep these short and to the point.
• Decision-Making: Focused on choosing between options. Ensure participants have relevant information beforehand.
• Problem-Solving: Brainstorming solutions or troubleshooting issues. Invite only those who can contribute to the solution.
• Innovation or Strategy: Big-picture thinking. Allow for open discussion and creative input.

Pro Tip: If the goal of your meeting could be achieved with an email, skip the meeting.

2. Start Smart: The Power of the Silent Start

Jeff Bezos had another meeting trick: Instead of PowerPoint presentations, meetings began with a written narrative memo—up to six pages—laying out the issue, proposed solutions, and next steps. Everyone spent the first few minutes silently reading the memo.

Here’s why this works:

• It levels the playing field. Everyone absorbs the same information at the same time.
• It encourages deep thinking. Silent reading allows for reflection before jumping into the conversation. It also requires the subject matter experts (SMEs) to fully think through their subject and distill it down to the most important points.
• It saves time. You avoid rehashing details or answering questions already covered in the memo.

For your meetings, consider using a short, structured pre-read. If people are busy, give them a few minutes at the start to review it silently.

3. Respect Time: Yours and Theirs

A meeting without respect for time is like a long commute—it leaves everyone frustrated. Follow these rules to stay on track:

• Keep it small. Remember the two-pizza rule—five to seven participants is the sweet spot.
• Set a timer. Stick to the allotted time. If you’re running over, table less-urgent items for another discussion.
• Have an agenda. Share it in advance so everyone knows what to expect.

Pro Tip: Begin by stating the meeting’s purpose and the desired outcome. For example, “By the end of this meeting, we’ll decide on the timeline for Project X.”

4. Leave No Action Item Behind

The best meetings don’t just discuss ideas; they create momentum. Make action items crystal clear by the end:

• Be specific. Assign tasks to individuals, not groups. For example, instead of saying, “Marketing will handle this,” say, “Sarah will draft the campaign copy by Friday.”
• Set deadlines. Every action item should have a due date.
• Use tools. Track action items in project management software like Asana, Monday.com, or even a shared Google Doc.

Pro Tip: Summarize the action items and responsibilities at the end of the meeting to ensure everyone is on the same page.

5. Master the Follow-Up

Meetings aren’t over when people leave the room (or log off Zoom). Follow-ups are where ideas turn into results.

• Send a recap. Within 24 hours, share meeting notes, key decisions, and action items.
• Check progress. A week before the next meeting, follow up on outstanding tasks.
• Hold side meetings sparingly. Use smaller, focused discussions to resolve specific issues or check in on progress without dragging the whole team into it.

6. Balance Efficiency with Empathy

Meetings aren’t just about tasks; they’re about people. A quick check-in at the start (“How’s everyone doing this week?”) or celebrating a small win can build camaraderie and engagement. Respect people’s input, encourage quieter voices to contribute, and don’t let one person dominate the conversation.

Make Every Meeting Count

A great meeting feels purposeful, energizing, and productive. It leaves people clear on what they need to do and motivated to do it. As a new manager, running meetings effectively is a chance to show leadership, build trust, and drive results.

So, take a page from Bezos’s playbook: Keep your meetings small, purposeful, and focused. Respect everyone’s time, and don’t leave the room without clear action steps. Do this, and your team will thank you—with or without pizza.

The Power of 1:1s: Building Individual Connection and Driving Team Success

If you’re stepping into a management role for the first time, you’ve probably been told to schedule regular 1:1 meetings with your direct reports. But why are these meetings so important, and how can you make the most of them?

1:1s are more than just another item on your to-do list—they’re a cornerstone of effective leadership. When done right, they build trust, enhance communication, and help both you and your team thrive. Let’s dive into how to make these meetings impactful (and even enjoyable!).

Why 1:1s Matter

1:1 meetings are your dedicated time to focus on the individual. Unlike team meetings, which often revolve around projects and goals, these sessions are about understanding your direct report’s challenges, aspirations, and overall well-being. Here’s why they’re invaluable:

1. Strengthen Relationships
   • 1:1s are a chance to build trust. By giving your team members undivided attention, you show that their contributions and concerns matter.
2. Uncover Opportunities for Growth
   • Regular check-ins allow you to provide tailored feedback, discuss career development, and help them unlock their potential.
3. Address Challenges Early
   • These meetings are perfect for surfacing and solving problems before they snowball, whether it’s a project bottleneck or personal roadblock.

The Walking Meeting: A Fresh Take on 1:1s

Not a fan of stuffy conference room? Try taking your 1:1s on the move. Walking meetings are a powerful (and healthy) alternative that can transform the way you connect with your team.

• Boost Creativity: Studies show that walking can spark creative thinking and open up more fluid conversations.
• Promote Well-Being: Walking isn’t just good for the body; it’s good for the mind. A brisk walk outdoors can help both you and your team member feel more energized and relaxed.
• Break the Ice: Walking side by side can feel less formal than sitting across a desk, making it easier to have open and honest discussions.

Pro Tip: Plan a route that’s quiet and distraction-free. If needed, bring a small notepad or voice recorder to capture key points on the go.

How to Structure a Great 1:1

1. Set an Agenda (But Stay Flexible)
   • Share a simple agenda ahead of time, such as:
     • Wins and accomplishments
     • Current challenges
     • Career development goals
   • Let them add their topics too—it’s their meeting as much as yours.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
   • Examples:
     • “What’s going well this week?”
     • “Are there any roadblocks I can help with?”
     • “What skills or projects are you excited to grow in?”
3. End with Clear Action Items
   • Summarize next steps for both of you. This could include you following up on a resource or them taking ownership of a task.

Making 1:1s Work for You

1:1s don’t have to be long or overly formal. A 30-minute walking meeting, held biweekly, can be just as effective (if not more) as an hour-long sit-down session. The key is consistency and genuine engagement.

Remember: these meetings are about more than just work. They’re about people. Take time to celebrate wins, check in on well-being, and ensure your team members feel supported—not just as employees, but as individuals.

Lace up your sneakers, grab a notebook, and take your leadership to the next level—one 1:1 at a time.

Input and Feedback is the Secret to Your Team's Success

Employee feedback isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a game-changer. When employees feel heard, they’re more engaged, motivated, and committed to the organization’s success. For managers, creating opportunities for employee input isn’t just about listening; it’s about building trust, improving performance, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Why does employee feedback matter? First, it boosts engagement. Employees are more likely to invest in their work when they know their opinions count. It also improves decision-making by highlighting blind spots and providing solutions. Feedback builds trust by strengthening relationships and loyalty while driving innovation—some of the best ideas come from those on the frontlines.

How can you create these opportunities? Start with an open-door policy, encouraging employees to approach you with questions, concerns, or ideas at any time. Regular check-ins are also key—schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and suggestions. Anonymous surveys can offer a safe way for employees to share input without fear of judgment, and team feedback sessions can dedicate time during meetings to gather insights. Even a simple suggestion box, digital or physical, can encourage continuous contributions.

There are a few essential do’s and don’ts. Actively listen and acknowledge feedback, even if immediate action isn’t possible. Follow up with transparency about what will or won’t change. On the flip side, avoid dismissing feedback just because it doesn’t align with your perspective, and don’t wait until annual reviews to gather input. Feedback should be an ongoing conversation.

The results speak for themselves. Organizations that prioritize employee feedback see higher retention rates and improved performance. One study found that 89% of employees who feel heard are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.

Ask yourself: How often do you ask your team for feedback? What barriers might prevent employees from sharing their input? How can you act on the feedback you’ve received in the past?

Building a feedback-friendly culture isn’t just about listening—it’s about creating a two-way street where employees feel valued and empowered. Start small, remain consistent, and watch your team thrive.

Unlock the Power of Your Boundless Network - Look who's inside?

Being part of Boundless connects you to a growing network of amazing professionals from around the globe. And we do mean amazing. Did you know one of our members pitched against Barry Bonds and tagged him out at first base? Another created the Domino’s Pizza Tracker used by millions worldwide.

Our members come from countries like Australia, Norway, the UAE, South Africa, and the United States. It’s a global, accomplished group with diverse stories and expertise waiting to be discovered. And it's growing.

Take the time to explore your Boundless community. Reach out, introduce yourself, and start conversations. You’ll be amazed at the connections you can build and the inspiration you’ll find.

Pro Tip:Download the Boundless app to stay in the loop! Get alerts when new members are introduced or when someone messages you. Don’t miss the chance to build meaningful relationships with peers who challenge, support, and inspire you.

Your next great connection is just a message away.

That’s a Wrap for This Week!

We hope these insights and strategies inspire you to take action and elevate your leadership game. Remember, leadership isn’t a solo journey—it’s about learning, growing, and connecting with others who share the same drive for success.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Jump over to Boundless Online to share your thoughts, ask questions, or dive deeper into this week’s topics. Don’t forget to download the Boundless app for easier access and to get real-time alerts when someone reaches out to you.

Here’s to making meaningful progress this week.

Onward!