G is for Gatherings: Change the Way You Gather, Change Your Culture

If you do nothing else to improve your culture, start with this: fix your meetings.

Gatherings are more than just meetings—they’re any time you bring your people together. Social events, learning sessions, hackathons, site visits, all-hands meetings, Thursday drinks—the list goes on. These moments have the power to shape your culture and strengthen connections when done with intention.

Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering offers a brilliant guide to hosting gatherings with purpose. She reminds us that gatherings done on purpose create meaning and connection. Similarly, the concept of “leader as host” encourages us to lean into our natural hosting instincts, ones we often use in social or family settings but forget in the workplace.

Why Gatherings Matter

Gatherings:

• Reflect your culture and its priorities.
• Create opportunities for connection, collaboration, and learning.
• Signal what matters most to your organisation and team.

Ask yourself:

• Are your meetings energising or draining your team?
• How intentional are you about the purpose and outcomes of your gatherings?

Here’s to fewer, better meetings—and gatherings that truly bring people together.