Why we crave meetings that matter
I never want to go to another boring, meaningless meeting again.
If you’re responsible for planning meetings, this is how to make them memorable!
The Art of Gathering and Why it Matters by Priya Parker.
“Gathering” in this case is about humans coming together for any reason — not harvesting the hedgerows — and it is not about event planning or any of the mechanics of meetings like menus and table covers.
It is about how to avoid disappointing, boring, meaningless meetings and create a sense of belonging, trust and connection. It is about how to make our meetings with others unforgettable and meaningful. It is about how to send people away from gatherings feeling very glad they came.
Why do I have a visceral reaction when I see a room set up ready for a conference or networking meeting and want to escape and do anything except take part? Why do I resist anything that smacks of a ritual — whether its a Best Man’s speech or handing round business cards?
Maybe because I’ve spent too many hours feeling like I’ve been taken hostage and forced to endure gatherings with no real purpose, or mindless performances that just go through the motions because that’s the way things have always been done.
Priya Parker has written a very practical book that reads like a novel. It’s a skilful blend of art and science with a deep understanding of human nature and why human beings crave meaningful gatherings.
The most important thing she asks us to do is examine the purpose of our gatherings — the real purpose, not the accepted or implied purpose. The number of people we invite, who we purposefully exclude, the size and style of the room, the topics we ask people to talk about, and very specifically, the importance of the power of the host, are all things she covers in beautifully told stories of real gatherings of all kinds.
I never want to endure another meeting that doesn’t fill me with a bit of wonder and joy and so I’d like everyone whose meetings I may come to to read this book, especially those I’m hoping to create memorable meetings with in the near future!
