Workplace Gathering Requires a Bold, Sharp Purpose

In our workplaces, the act of gathering is like setting the table for knowledge, understanding, and respect. Gathering, itself, is a “learnable skill” and one to which I think we could pay a bit more attention.

Why do we gather? What is the value?

How do we make it impactful and meaningful when we do get together? 

I have been reading a book called The Art Of Gathering:  How we meet and why it matters by Priya Parker.  In the workplace wellbeing world, gathering is becoming more and more important.  If it is done well, gathering can be inspiring, fun, and productive and have other benefits that contribute to team success and well-being. 

I went to one such gathering this week and I am still reveling in the feeling of connection that ensued. As I reflect on the experience, I recognize that when gatherings don’t go well, they can certainly have the opposite effect and dramatically lower team commitment, productivity, and well-being.  I’m sure you can think of a boring staff meeting (or two) or a meeting that went off the rails or just wasted your time.  Over time, poorly done gatherings erode team well-being.

We aren’t looking for gathering perfection, but I do think if we care about our workplaces and the people in them, we could do better.  How? We could think more about when, why, and how we gather and gather with intention. 

At the beginning of her book, Priya writes that there are many good reasons for coming together but we often don’t know precisely why we are doing so.  She challenges us to take the important first step in “convening people meaningfully:  committing to a bold, sharp purpose.”

I've been having conversations about possible in-person gatherings with the team I work with at BC Children's Hospital.  I love the work I get to do with the health promotion and schools’ team where I work as a practice support coach.   It is a gift to be able to support school district teams across the province with health and wellbeing plans.  As we work across the province most of our meetings are online but we, like many organizations and teams, are also thinking once again about gathering in person.  What could be gained?  What is lost if we don’t? 

I appreciate that we are exploring these questions and thinking about the purpose and value of our gatherings.  Even in schools and district offices where you regularly connect in person, the same attention to the purpose of your gatherings can also have a big impact.  I am not sure where our conversation will get us exactly, but I will let you know.  I do know that I will be advocating for a bold, sharp purpose. I challenge you to aim there too.  Keep me posted! 

I would love to hear what you think!  Comment below and let’s dialogue.

Thanks for reading along and thinking about this topic with me.  I’d love to hear what resonates or ideas I have missed.  Please share your experiences or ask questions.  I won’t have all the answers, but someone will. 

Please help me grow this community and spread the word about well-being by sharing this post and encouraging others to subscribe.  If you loved the book or podcast, a positive rating or review goes a long way to help too! ~ Gail