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Afternoon Quote by B. C. Forbes

“Talking things over has its place in an organization [but] so-called conferences are being grossly overdone. One executive stops at the desk of another to tell him, perhaps, about the wonderful score he made at golf on Saturday afternoon. This chin-chin immediately becomes a conference, and…” quote by B. C. Forbes
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“Talking things over has its place in an organization [but] so-called conferences are being grossly overdone. One executive stops at the desk of another to tell him, perhaps, about the wonderful score he made at golf on Saturday afternoon. This chin-chin immediately becomes a conference, and neither the office boy nor the telephone operator must disturb either gentleman. More idle gossip is indulged in at many business conferences these days than an old wives' sewing circle would be guilty of.”

B. C. Forbes

About This Quote

Source Article: Business Practices in the Modern Office, 1998

Criticizes excessive, unproductive meetings that replace real work with idle chatter.

In simple terms: Too many meetings waste time.

Key Takeaway

Limit meetings to essential topics.

Themes

productivity communication efficiency

Mood

frustrated reflective

Type

business advice

When to use this quote

  • team management
  • project planning
  • executive leadership

Key Concepts

meeting culture organizational behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance necessary communication with efficiency?
  • What alternatives to meetings exist?
A Different Perspective

May overlook benefits of informal networking.

4.4 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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