I often find
the most informative part
of a meeting happens
BEFORE the meeting starts.
It is when we hear tidbits
about the project
that might not be important enough
to make an agenda
but still make a difference
to what we do.
It is when we hear
what other people are
working on,
concerned about,
feel is important.
It is when we connect.
It is also when other people decide
whether or not
a meeting is worth attending.
They’ll drop into the meeting room.
If the person they want
to connect with is there,
they’ll stay.
If you wish for online meetings
to replicate face-to-face meetings,
consider opening the online rooms early.
Allow people to chat, to connect.