The calendar invitation arrives with the confidence of a royal summons. Thirty minutes. Seven people. A subject line that simply says “Touch base.” Which base? Why is it in need of touching?
There is a special kind of optimism in a meeting with no agenda. The belief that if enough people stare at the same screen, a purpose will emerge. Like a séance, but with more spreadsheets.
Someone says, “Let’s take this offline.” This is an intriguing development, given that the whole event began with everyone voluntarily coming online.
Then comes the recap: an email explaining what the meeting was supposed to explain. The circle is complete. The calendar has consumed its own tail.
A thought is allowed to be small. So is an email. So is the radical act of letting someone finish their coffee while it is still hot.
