--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Most people view coffee and lunch as…" description: "\"Most people view coffee and lunch as personal time, not deal-making time. Unless the person you're meeting understands that this is a working lunch, th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cc/michael-gerber-3751_business_most-people-view-coffee-and-lunch-as-per_2295039.png" --- # Most people view coffee and lunch as personal time, not… ![“Most people view coffee and lunch as personal time, not deal-making time. Unless the person you're meeting understands that this is a working lunch, then they may not even think that this is a serious business conversation.” quote by Michael Gerber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cc/michael-gerber-3751_business_most-people-view-coffee-and-lunch-as-per_2295039.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cc/michael-gerber-3751_business_most-people-view-coffee-and-lunch-as-per_2295039.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5cc/michael-gerber-3751_business_most-people-view-coffee-and-lunch-as-per_2295039.png) > “Most people view coffee and lunch as personal time, not deal-making time. Unless the person you're meeting understands that this is a working lunch, then they may not even think that this is a serious business conversation.” [Michael Gerber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-gerber/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Treating meals as casual time can undermine business seriousness; clarify intent for effective work. **In simple terms:** Lunch can be work time if expectations are set. Key Takeaway Set clear expectations. Themes business communication time management Mood pragmatic direct Type professional practical When to use this quote - client lunches - team brainstorming Key Concepts meeting etiquette professional boundaries Questions to Reflect On - How do you signal work intent? - What boundaries help keep meetings productive? A Different Perspective Casual settings may blur focus, reducing productivity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/business/) [Coffee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/coffee/) [Personal time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personal-time/) [Serious business](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/serious-business/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [Each week I try to have three lunches with my children, one working lunch, and one lunch with mates.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/xavier-niel/each-week-i-try-to-have-three-lunches-with-my-children-one-working/) [Xavier Niel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/xavier-niel/) > [“Friday’s “Working Lunch” is at The Avenue on St James's Street. 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