How Many People Should Actually Be in a Meeting

Bigger isn't better for most meeting types.

1. For decision-making meetings, 5-8 people is often the practical ceiling before real discussion breaks down.
2. For information-sharing, larger groups are fine since less real-time interaction is needed.
3. If someone's role is purely to "stay informed," consider sending notes instead of an invite.
4. When in doubt, invite fewer people and share a summary afterward — it's easier to loop someone in than to un-invite them.

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