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Can You Get Work Done Over a Meal?

Recently, I was talking with a colleague of mine and she said that she can never get anything done over lunch or breakfast meetings–the socialite in her takes over and she spends the meal chatting instead of working. I find that working over breakfast, lunch, or even a dinner can be an invigorating and creative way for me to get work done, but I thought it might be interesting for us to explore here–whether or not we can get work done over a meal?

Of course, there’s always the networking lunch or cocktail hour where “work” means meeting people and circulating. But, what I’m really talking about is the lunch meeting where you’ve actually got something to accomplish–the outline for a report, ideas for a pitch or presentation, working up a cultivation list, etc. I find that having some food and beverage, and a waiter nearby to keep everyone happy and “served” can make for a very creative and productive work environment. Of course, if I’m working on something that I need quiet and concentration, the bustling restaurant or coffee shop may not be ideal, but for collaborative projects and other work, working over lunch or breakfast can be perfect.

I imagine it depends on the type of work you do and whether or not you have young children along with you and crammed into the Denny’s booth while you’re trying to get some work done. In that case, maybe a trip to the local McDonalds (with the big Playland) can keep the kids occupied while you plan the pitch or marketing plan.

I’m interested in hearing what you think and how you work–can you get work done over a breakfast, lunch or other meal–or are you like my friend and find it too socially distracting to be truly productive?