The Supreme Court of the United States hears some of the country’s most complex and impactful cases. Arguments for and against each decision could go on for days — if the Court allowed it. But since 1970, the Court has adhered to a strict 30-minute allotment for each side to present their case in an oral argument. The Court even has a giant clock hanging behind them to keep the parties on task.
How can you learn from how the Supreme Court operates? Their decisions are far more involved than many things discussed at business meetings, yet so many less significant meetings can drone on and on. By requiring people to submit information in writing, in advance, the Court adds an element of efficiency to the packed calendar and the short allotment for oral arguments forces people to highlight their key points without bluster.
Follow the lead of the Court and add some restrictions to your meeting format to keep the focus on making decisions instead of making presentations.
