174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.

Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together.

“90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

Priya Parker • • Priya’s Book: The Art of Gathering • Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings • Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings •

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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction

• (01:12) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversations

• (02:58) - Questioning the Purpose of Gatherings

• (05:06) - The Power of Great Questions

• (08:09) - Managing Heat in Conversations

• (10:18) - Encouraging Participation Beforehand

• (12:58) - Creating Impactful Endings

• (15:24) - The Final Three Questions

• (18:18) - Conclusion

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