I first heard about Priya Parker during a small talk discussion before a meeting – one of the most interesting small talks in a while 🙂 “She has an amazing books about meetings, any types of meetings” they said … and they were right!
The Art of Gathering in a nutshell
The Art of Gathering is a very educative book about how to transform any type of gathering into an engaging and memorable experience. We’re not only talking about meetings from the business-oriented perspective, but also teambuilding weekends, training sessions, family meetings, weddings, funerals, and the list goes on.
Overall impression
I loved reading this book! As a person with experience in facilitating meetings and training sessions, the insights shared by Priya Parker were valuable and bold. Her experience as a facilitator of high-powered gathering around the world is definitely worth discovering!
On one side there are the “unwritten rules” of facilitation – the foundation that is sometimes difficult to learn and it involves a lot of trial and error. On the other side there are the courageous (and risky) ideas that can transform any good gathering into an extraordinary and memorable gathering.
The power of examples
The whole storyline of the book is build on examples of meaningful gatherings – at work, at home, in the community. Priya Parker does not only share about her successful facilitation experiences, but also about the less successful ones.
From family barbeques with a twist to teambuilding with C-level executives and global dinner parties … each and every story delivers an important message. One of my favourite chapters was “Never start a funeral with logistics”. And regarding global dinner parties …just google “Dîner en Blanc” 🙂
TED talk of Priya Parker
If you would like to get a taste of what the books is about in only few minutes, then check out the author’s TED talk. If watching the video makes you want more, than I definitely recommend reading The Art of Gathering.
Wrap-up
To conclude, The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker is an amazing educational book about how to upgrade the way you organize any types of gatherings of people. It is a book that I will keep close at hand, because I know I will go back to certain chapters for inspiration and encouraging advice.
Ah, and it is also the type of book that makes an excellent gift! 😉
If you would like to buy books or other (non)bookish things, please consider using one of these links: Amazon | Waterstones | Carturesti. Thank you!
‘Till next time … happy reading!
Georgiana
Cover picture from priyaparker.com
Readers' High Tea 