Coffee catch-ups are an essential habit

Coffee catch-ups used to feel like a networking task or a relief from the day-to-day for me. I can recall Monday mornings making my way downtown in NYC and thinking about who I needed to chat with and hope they would be open to “getting in steps” and “grabbing a coffee.” Which were really just code for not sitting at my desk more.

What I have come to appreciate about them, if that they bring you away from distraction, inevitably allowing you to review, prioritize and solve. Yes, a coffee chat can do that.

The reason a younger me wanted to be away from my desk was because my desk was filled with task lists, to-do post-it notes, endless emails, some communication tool for others to distract me further and a calendar that demanded I just keep listening to others speak, write down tasks to do and figure out when I can do said tasks. So coffee felt like a cheat. A recess. A quick breathe of air.

But it is so much more.

As I embrace an opportunity to chat live over coffee now, I see it as a dedicated brain exercise.

I am far from my tasks. In fact, I have to keep eye contact making it so all the little screens and pinging apps that try to steal me away all day are not in sight. The coffee keeps my hands grounded and my other sense heightened. This is where my brain explodes with goodness.

Talking out-loud is essential to thinking through ideas, alternative thoughts and problem solving. It honestly does not matter if I am meeting a client, coaching a candidate or planning a PTA event - I am laser focused in a coffee chat. Laser focused on human connection! I hear alternative voices than just my own, and with the limited distraction I have wowed myself with the ideas I have generated. Sure, that sounds over the top, but really think about your most recent coffee chat, and if you have not had one - plan it.

Human connection.

Limited distractions.

Heightened senses.

Open communication.

Impactful discussion.

Personal, professional or a mix of both and you will surprise yourself if you truly commit to the coffee chat.