Who’s Got the Ball? And Other Lessons in Power Meetings

Recently, I joined a call with a potential vendor partner for a CRM solution. The invite was from them — to “discuss further” after a product demo.

We all logged in, exchanged warm greetings, and then… crickets

Everyone just waited. Awkward silence filled the room.

Being the impatient one, I finally asked, “So, what are we here for today?”

To my surprise, the vendor launched into another demo — one we had already seen. When I paused him and reminded him, he asked if we had any questions. I said, “Wait… wasn’t this your call? I assumed you had questions or inputs to discuss?”

His response: “No, we just need your requirements.”

A classic case of everyone assuming the ball was in the other person’s court.

This moment reminded me of something I speak about often session and workshops around effective communication and/or meetings— what I call the POWER of Power Meetings.

Meetings without clarity waste time.
Meetings with POWER move mountains.

Here’s what P.O.W.E.R. stands for in my book:

** P – Purpose: Why are we meeting?
** O – Outcome: What decision or clarity are we aiming for?
** W – Who has the ball?: Who owns the agenda and next steps?
** E – Engagement: Is everyone present, participating, and prepared?
** R – Roles & Responsibilities: Who’s doing what by when?

Imagine how much sharper, shorter, and more successful meetings would be if we all stepped in with POWER.

Whether you're leading or attending — don’t walk into a meeting without knowing the P.O.W.E.R. behind it.

And if you’re calling the meeting? Make sure everyone else does too.

Shanti Sharma

Shanti Sharma ICF PCC / EMCC Sr. Practitioner / Mentor Coach

Founder | Author | Leadership, Executive and Team Coach | Facilitator | Mentor Coach

Who’s Got the Ball? And Other Lessons in Power Meetings

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