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Summary: Did you ever think meetings could be exciting?
Review: Neither did I until I read this book. Lencioni shares some key insights that can add a spark to any old meeting through his unique approach to conflict. As he says, meetings are like movies...they need drama. I am excited to try his approach in my own meetings. And, I am even more excited to think that I may never have to sit through another boring meeting again.
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Summary: Death by Meeting
Review: Once again Patrick hits the mark with his latest fable about one of the most hated events executives attend. He sets up conflict at the start and then draws the reader into a finale that has a surprise and teaches some valuable lessons.I just wish I could find a newly-minted MBA as smart and mature as Will!
Rating:
Summary: Worth the read¿ even better if you use the lessons
Review: Pat's new book, "Death by Meeting" is GREAT. We have been using his common sense approach to meetings, and it is transforming our company. Our senior team is much more engaged and committed to our strategy and its execution. Clear communication is flowing throughout the company. Thanks for sharing your brilliance. Patrick Cox, CEO - Qsent, Inc.
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Summary: Meetings will never be the same
Review: The fact that most executives hate meeting is truly ironic as they are THE central activity in business. This book cleverly points out that if you are having bad meeting, you are likely making bad decisions. Lencioni's vivid fiction reveals his simple but slightly contrarian view of meetings. I have
already started to use the meeting structure with my clients. Thanks again Mr. Lencioni.
Rating: 
Summary: Death by Bad Writing
Review: The premise of the meeting structure that the author proposes could be summed up in one page. Instead, the "fable" continues for over 200 pages. The meeting structure is interesting, though not a new idea at all. Read the executive summary and skip the rest.
Rating:
Summary: Skip the feeble, er, fable
Review: The story lacks life and is poorly written. What could have been an engaging 20-page short story ended up as dozens of 3-5 page chapters in large type with wide margins. You'll find yourself skimming for substance which you won't find until at least half-way through. Read the executive summary, don't waste your time on the rest.
Rating: 
Summary: Compelling title, interesting parable, weak close
Review: The title is provocative and will probably sell books. The parable of a software game firm in Monterey struggling with ineffective meetings makes for a reasonably readable, well-scripted (except for "our data is inconclusive." p. 184) and intriguing story. "Death" has the air of "Disclosure" without the sex, as Yip Software allows itself to be taken over (cashing in -- a decision that probably warrants more attention than do the other matters in the book) and then scrutinized by a bigger firm. There is a late twist in the seemingly diabolic machinations of the larger firm and the catalyst to the correction in team decision making is imbued with a needless obsessive-compulsive, Tourette-like malady that allows him to have a psychological excuse -- when he is off his meds - to speak up at the meetings. The parable reads well enough and early on reminded me of John Cleese's marvelous training film, "Meetings, bloody meetings." The original video was so good when it was made almost thirty years ago that Video Arts updated it -- with almost the exact same script and several of the same actors-- ten years ago. "Death" is more current. But Cleese in both versions got it right, better, and funnier than Lencioni. He viewed team meetings as akin to a court proceeding or a trial. The analogy worked. Effective meetings need critical thinking, not groupthink. The Senate report on the CIA is only the most recent example of no one taking a critical stance as partial information and unreliable data accumulate. But conflict does not seem to be the appropriate remedy for premature or inappropriate consensus. Lencioni is right: Real consensus is difficult if not impossible. But constructive critical thinking is better than conflict (or obsessives off their meds) to make a meeting effective and "interesting". Getting people to feel passionate about their work and their firm is important yet passion does not come from interesting meetings, picnics or stock vesting plans. The passion needs to come from somewhere else. Cleese's film emphasizes the need to prepare and inform in a way that Lencioni apparently rejects for weekly "tactical" meetings: No agenda, says Lencioni. Lencioni uses an imaginative Holloywood metaphor to illustrate different types of meetings -- there are sitcoms, movies and miniseries parallels for meetings -- but this doesn't really work out for me in the end. The parable comes to an abrupt end and then Lencioni moves to a more formal, structured teaching style and my interest that had been waning disappeared. I prefer "Death by chocolate" myself.
Rating: 
Summary: Useful not crucial
Review: There are many problems which arise in the work place; budgeting, marketing, development, training, and the list goes on. Where are these problems addressed? Meetings. How a company recognizes these problems and develops strategies to improve upon their current status can turn a surviving company into a thriving one. In Death by Meeting, Patrick Lencioni, tackles a challenging issue facing a multitude of companies, how to run an effective and efficient meeting.
Lencioni does away with the "how to", "listen to what I say approach", but instead creates a business fable, where the company is fictional, but its problems are real. The name of the fictional company is Yip, and Casey is the CEO. Casey, despite being an innovative, creative, hard-working CEO lacks the skills to run an effective meeting. As the fable continues Casey is faced with losing his job. Yip goes public, and the company which bought them is thinking about replacing Casey. It will take the hard work and research of a certain assistant and Casey to turn Yip's executive meetings from useless to productive.
Lencioni uses his fable as a medium to illustrate how to effectively run meetings. The strategy and formula Lencioni weaves within the tale are crucial tools many businesses need to implement to create a more sound and smooth meeting. Lencioni understands the problems meetings can pose, and offers critical information on how to overcome those problems. Save you and your business. Read Death by Meeting.
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Summary: WOW, Lencioni has done it again!
Review: This is a simple yet intriguing tale that pinpoints the real issues with meetings. I've been to so many bad meetings, and I can't wait to implement the concepts from this book in my organization. Well done!
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Summary: Practical advice for the most common problem in business!
Review: This latest installment in the series of business fables from Lencioni provides practical and useful advice for dealing the single most common problem in business -- unproductive, time wasting meetings. The format makes the book a quick & easy read, but that should take nothing away from the meaningful impact following the advice it contains can have. If only more leaders were as open to feedback from others and constructively direct with their own, much more would be accomplished in today's comapnies! Read it, pay attention & pass it on!
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