The One Question Every Leader Should Ask at the End of a Meeting

Meetings are a staple of organizational life. Some are productive and purposeful, while others leave people wondering why they were there. Over the years, I have found that how a meeting ends is just as important as how it begins. A strong close can surface insight, foster ownership, and shape a culture of openness.

That is why I end nearly every meeting with one simple question:

“What did we not talk about that we should be talking about?”

It is a powerful invitation that can uncover the missing conversation, the unspoken concern, or the idea just below the surface. This question signals that the meeting was not just about checking off an agenda—it was about making space for what matters.

Why This Principle Matters

In my experience, some of the most important issues are not always on the agenda. People may hesitate to raise topics they believe are outside their lane, potentially sensitive, or off-track. Others may assume their concern is irrelevant or worry that “now is not the time.”

Ending a meeting with this open-ended prompt allows participants to raise a red flag, share an idea, or speak to a pattern they notice. It tells the team that leadership is listening—and that silence does not equal agreement or alignment.

But here is the key: You must make space to engage with what is surfaced. Ask the question early enough to allow real discussion. If the issue cannot be addressed immediately, name when it will be. Otherwise, the question risks becoming performative, and trust begins to erode.

When leaders consistently follow up on what is raised, the team learns that their voice matters—not just in theory, but in practice.

The Benefits for Participants

This question creates psychological safety for team members. It encourages honest reflection and shared responsibility for the meeting’s quality. It gives people an open door to speak up—sometimes for the first time.

Over time, participants begin to think more critically about the work and their role in shaping outcomes. They begin asking themselves, What are we overlooking? What needs attention? Where are we playing it safe?

This shift from passive attendance to active contribution is how a group grows into a team—and how a team begins to operate like a leadership bench.

The Benefits for the Leader

As a leader, I want to know what I may be missing. I do not want a room full of agreement—I want engagement. I want my team to feel safe saying, “We are overlooking something.” That kind of feedback is a gift.

This question helps me see around corners. It alerts me to concerns before they become problems. It also helps me identify who is paying attention, thinking systemically, and invested in the organization’s success, not just their department.

I have found that this question often yields insights that shape better decisions and stronger alignment. When I act on what I hear—or follow up when I cannot—it builds trust.

The Benefits for the Organization

When this question becomes a regular part of meeting management, the effects ripple out. Teams become more honest, curious, and collaborative. Potential risks are surfaced earlier. Communication becomes richer, and decision-making sharper.

Organizations that encourage this level of dialogue are better prepared to adapt, innovate, and respond to complexity. They avoid groupthink, minimize blind spots, and develop a culture of shared responsibility.

A Simple Practice to Adopt Today

You do not need a new meeting format or special training to use this. You need to ask the question—and leave time to listen.

End your meetings five to ten minutes early. Pose the question. Allow people to respond. And if a topic arises that cannot be addressed then and there, identify when it will be. Write it down. Follow up.

You will not always hear a groundbreaking insight, but you will consistently send a clear message: We are in this together. Every voice matters. We are committed to learning.

So next time you lead a meeting, consider ending with this:

“What did we not talk about that we should be talking about?”

It might open the door to the conversation that changes everything.