I built a Google Doc that I run before every client call: a 3-minute timer, two prompts (Outcome for this session — likely derailers?), and a one-line commitment. It cut my average session overrun by 22% last quarter; happy to share the template if you want it or swap for your favorite priming tool.
I add a 30-second ‘agenda read-back’ at minute 2 and a silent midpoint alarm so I don’t chase squirrels; also use the line ‘If we only accomplish one thing, it’s _____’ to anchor the call. Small tweak: with fast-ideating clients I swap ‘derailers’ for a quick parking lot so it feels less negative while keeping us on time.
Building on @jameson56’s anchor idea, I turn the ‘derailers’ prompt into a single if–then: ‘If we drift into backstory, I’ll park it and ask for the decision needed now,’ and I paste the one-line commitment into Zoom chat so it stays visible — like taping a finish line to the monitor. Happy to swap for your doc or share my one-pager with if–then cues.