Talk before an important meeting on abstract topics and be surprised what the result will be.
Negotiations or meetings will be more successful if participants have the opportunity to talk about abstract topics before the start.1. Such chatter may seem like a frivolous undertaking, but it helps to lighten the atmosphere and show each other that we are not in the mood for confrontation. In addition, common ground may be found, and this will increase the chances of success. True, for women, this tactic does not always work. Many male leaders and partners believe that women in general love small talk, and starting a meeting like this can make them question the seriousness of the interlocutor.
1 Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 2015, vol. 37, № 2.