What is the purpose of an agenda in meetings?

The purpose of an agenda in meetings is to outline the topics to be discussed and keep the meeting focused. An agenda serves as a roadmap for the meeting, ensuring that all necessary subjects are covered within the allotted time. It helps attendees prepare for the discussion in advance, identifies key points that need to be addressed, and facilitates a structured flow of conversation. By having an agenda, participants can also hold each other accountable to stay on track and adhere to the schedule.

While summarizing documents, providing refreshments, and assigning tasks are important aspects of meeting management, they do not represent the primary role of an agenda. The agenda is fundamentally about organizing the meeting’s content and keeping discussions relevant to achieve the desired outcomes effectively.