Scientists debate if arriving late to meetings to skip small talk is rude or efficient
A Nature career feature examines whether arriving late to meetings to avoid small talk is a sign of efficiency or disrespect. The anonymous author, a US research university employee, argues that skipping pleasantries allows for quicker agenda review and earlier meeting conclusions. A panel of scientists from various institutions generally disagrees, viewing punctuality as a form of respect and small talk as a necessary social lubricant that fosters collaboration. The verdict concludes that while impatience with small talk is common, deliberately arriving late crosses the line into rudeness.