Snowflake CEO's 4 Rules for Effective Meetings

Snowflake CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy has outlined a specific framework for running efficient meetings. His approach is designed to combat corporate bureaucracy and ensure that time spent in conference rooms is productive. The framework consists of four distinct requirements that he applies to every meeting he attends.

Ramaswamy, who joined the cloud data-warehousing company in 2023, believes that meetings should not be used for prestige or simple updates. Instead, he focuses on preparation, purpose, participation, and speed. By enforcing these rules, he aims to streamline decision-making processes and respect the time of all participants.

The first requirement set by Sridhar Ramaswamy is strict preparation. He requires that an agenda and all related materials be shared prior to the meeting. Ramaswamy has stated, "I will not go to meetings whose agendas and materials are not published in advance."

To ensure he is prepared, Ramaswamy noted that he is an early riser. He spends every morning from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. prepping for the various meetings scheduled for that day. Beyond the pre-meeting preparation, he also expects notes to be published after every meeting concludes.

Ramaswamy stated that he does not hold meetings simply to "check a box." He is a "huge fan" of ensuring that meetings are run well, which includes having the right people in the room and a clear point of view on the topic being discussed.

He believes that meetings should not serve as a status update or a way to feel "in the loop." The focus is strictly on utility and decision-making rather than prestige.

According to Ramaswamy, meetings should be a venue for open conversation rather than repeating facts. He noted, "Facts can be read offline. It is more efficient."

He makes an effort to ensure a diverse range of viewpoints is present. If he observes one or two people dominating a conversation, he intervenes. He views it as his job to ensure a fair distribution of time and that "people feel like their voices are indeed being heard."

Ramaswamy admitted that he feels generally "itchy in meetings" and wants to get things done quickly. He advocates for ending meetings the moment the objective is achieved.

If a meeting reaches "glorious success" and a decision is made, he suggests that everyone exits immediately. He tells employees, "We should all leave quietly right now, in case we just create more problems for ourselves."

These rules are part of a larger culture at Snowflake focused on efficiency. Many CEOs view meetings as the pinnacle of corporate bureaucracy and have moved to minimize them. Snowflake is no exception; the company has reportedly tracked the number of phone calls and in-person meetings to push for greater efficiency.

Ramaswamy summarized the general sentiment toward corporate structures, stating, "meetings are like bureaucracies," and adding that "all of us hate bureaucracies except our own."

What are Sridhar Ramaswamy's rules for meetings?
Sridhar Ramaswamy requires four things for meetings: agendas and notes must be published in advance, there must be a clear purpose, the discussion must be open and inclusive, and the meeting must be kept quick.

Why does Ramaswamy require agendas in advance?
He requires agendas and materials to be published in advance to ensure efficiency and preparation. He has stated that he will not attend meetings that do not meet this requirement.

How does Ramaswamy handle meetings that have achieved their goal?
He advocates for leaving immediately. If a meeting achieves "glorious success" and a decision is made, he suggests the team leaves quietly to avoid creating new problems.