Kindle edition
I can't recall where I became familiar with this book, but I did somewhere and checked it out from the library for my Kindle. I started this book on November 1 and finished it on November 26.
So, this was sort of a cross between a business book and a self-help book. Priya Parker offers some really great advice and thoughts on how to organize gatherings. Yes, for professional-related gatherings (meetings, conferences, etc.) and also for personal gatherings (think dinner parties, etc.)
I am writing this review some time after I finished the book so am not crystal clear on everything there. A few of the takeaways that stayed with me are:
1. Be mindful of how you start your gathering. For professional gatherings, she gave an example of how a typical conference or large meeting starts - with logistics. The bathrooms are here. The refreshments are there. Etc. She talks about how this is the worst possible way to start. There is no intention. There is no "start". It's just blah, bland, and unmemorable. Imagine if the main speaker started with a good introduction, talked about the intent of the meeting/session, gave expectations (for what the speakers would do and what the participants should do). This would make for a much more meaningful, mindful, and memorable gathering. For personal gatherings, be very intentional about who you invite. Don't invite people who will bicker. Don't invite people who won't get along. Think about the PURPOSE of your gathering and then select the people who will be in service o that purpose. When they arrive, don't let them walk right in without introducing them to the other people. Perhaps have an activity or something for them to do while you finish cooking, putting food out, etc. Can you think of anything worse than a room of people who don't know each other, haven't been introduced, and don't really know why they are all there? Ick.
2. Think about the purpose of your gathering. Why are you bringing people together in either scenario - professional or personal? One quote from the book offers this, "Specificity is a crucial ingredient. The more focused and particular a gathering is, the more narrowly it frames itself and the more passion it arouses."
While I don't remember all of the nuggets, I do remember liking this book. Lots of good suggestions on how to design your gatherings so they are enjoyable, meaningful, intentional, have a purpose, and more.
Post written on May 29, 2023. Publication date reflects date I finished the book.
