Meetings: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, quite frequently, to be honest. In my current role at an advertising agency, we have catch-up sessions almost every morning. They usually last about fifteen minutes, just so everyone can share what they're tackling for the day and sort out any urgent issues.

I'd definitely lean towards face-to-face discussions. While virtual calls are undeniably convenient, you miss out on subtle body language and eye contact. Last month, our team met in person for a brainstorming session, and we got far more done than we ever do over video.

I suppose it comes down to having a clear agenda and sticking to the point. If someone keeps going off on tangents, it just wastes everyone's time. A good organiser makes sure that every single attendee knows their exact action points before wrapping things up.

Unfortunately, yes, on one memorable occasion. My train broke down right outside Manchester, and I ended up walking into a client presentation twenty minutes behind schedule. It was fairly mortifying, but luckily they were quite understanding and let me present my part at the end.

I suspect so, especially as remote working becomes the norm. Companies have realised how much money they save on office space and travel expenses. That said, I reckon people will still gather in person for annual reviews or really critical negotiations.