The one thing you can’t afford NOT to do and the 4 characteristics you need to make the most of it.

Invision October 2025 Issue

THROUGH MY MEMBERS, I get to see the successes that would be deemed a win in most independent opticals. I also get to see the successes of exceptional offices. Opticals so exceptional that the wins I spoke of previously would trigger alarming red flags. I have started categorizing the habits of these exceptional offices. Many common habits among them are often overlooked by the rest of us.

We hear overused recommendations: invest in your people, set team goals, increase capture rate, improve culture, etc. This series will take you through the most fundamental basics practiced by exceptional opticals and how you can implement them to absolutely transform your optical sales.

Office meetings. Let’s discuss.

Did you just groan? Seriously, most optical leadership hates the idea of meetings. Deeming them a waste of time where the team just gripes about work. The problem is you have been hosting terrible office meetings. You need a framework for success.

I have implemented structured team meetings in countless Spexy opticals and the results are astounding!

If you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for meetings,” or “I can’t afford to host meetings.” I tell you confidently: You cannot afford to not have structured team meetings. Structured meetings make sure everyone is on the same page, can voice real struggles, provide solutions, and implement training and growth. Here’s four main characteristics involved in every exceptional optical’s meetings:

1. A written plan and timeline. Structuring your meeting sets expectations of what is to be discussed and a timeframe to discuss them. A shared written plan is a must. In it set a timeline to discuss each section. Even a relevant topic that goes on and on gets boring quickly. Timelines allow participants to listen with intent, knowing they are moving onto another topic shortly. Sticking to a timeline allows leadership to better direct the meeting.

If a talking point goes beyond the time allotted, recognize it and set an expectation. “This is great conversation. We’ll revisit at the end of the meeting.

I am making a note so if we run out of time we can follow up.” Don’t be a liar. Follow through on the words you speak. At the end of the meeting, set an expectation on how you will follow up.

2. An opportunity to learn. Make sure to always include an opportunity to learn. Nobody likes sitting through meetings. If you give people space to learn, many will open up to the opportunity. You’ll notice your team becoming more creative and more involved.

3. Time for involvement. After each section or topic, have a designated time slot for team involvement. Labeling it “Team Feedback/Solutions” is encouraging. Seeing this on meeting notes signals to the team they should be thinking about what they can contribute to the topic being discussed.

4. Action items. The action items portion helps recap what was discussed and aids leadership in delegating tasks. Action items create accountability. Strong leaders ask each person to share one action item they’ll implement that week. Then they follow up with everyone throughout the week to get their thoughts on how implementing their action item is going.

Scan the QR code for a video further detailing this excellent optical team meeting framework. I challenge you to set aside time for team meetings and implement this framework. The ability to adapt our daily habits is a strength independent opticals have that others don’t. There is no reason we can’t learn from each other. Now it’s up to you to run with it.