Hi I'm Jeff Horsenut, I spent the last 8 years hiding in the forest from my car insurer. I can bench over 40 pounds, breathe sensually for 11 hours straight, but my real passion and expertise is in different types of folded laundry. If I had to describe myself in 3 words, it would be: full-stack horatio nelson

I’ve worked with people who will sometimes interrupt the natural pre-meeting banter to force an icebreaker. Like, what the hell do you think we were just doing you corporate ass-hat?

Frankly, I’m deeply suspicious of anyone who forces a “round robin” of any kind during any meeting. It very rarely has any value and tells me that that person shouldn’t be running the meeting, or that that particular meeting didn’t need to happen.

Just the other day was in one of those meetings, but the thing was everyone already knew each other. However the meeting organizer wanted to make sure everyone introduced themselves anyway, because maybe someone forgot or maybe two people hadn't met and didn't realize (there were only like 6 people,).

i love that suddenly everyone has mouth in the end

I understand social anxiety and such. Public speaking literally gives me the sweats, for instance. I've still had to lead meetings and give presentations.

I assume this anxiety is common and the root of a lot of the goofy shit you see where you're supposed to name your favorite flavor of jello or sportsball team or whatever. Of course, some of it is corporate NPCs being zombies.

The forced introduction may be helping the lead personalize you so that they can more effectively communicate. I.e. they're shitting themselves from stress and adrenaline at having to lead this stupid meeting and getting an idea of who you are will calm them down.

When I'm in a meeting i want to know who I'm talking to.

I find it SO weird that people can't handle simple social interactions anymore.

"Hi! I'm shalafi. Despite appearances, I'm a bit of a redneck. Love kayaking, hiking, camping, stuff like that. After I get out of here, you're likely to find me in a swamp. LOL, don't dress like this on the weekends!"

<pass the mike>

[Skip meeting cutscene.]

My area just brought on 4 new team leads. I received a meeting invite with my new team lead. She has asked directed that we think about our introductions and 2 truths and 1 lie we have to share. The remainder of the meeting is to figure out our goals and team morale or some shit.

Thanks, blue. A true friend, whoever you are.

Next Episode.

Sometimes it's useful, but sometimes it's just dumb

I really want to know the people I'm meeting with, so I know who to ignore and who should be send away.