The return of the coffee chat

The way we get information these days is incredibly fragmented.

How often do you struggle to remember if a particular message came to you on email, WhatsApp, Messenger or some other platform?

In 2025, don’t underestimate the power of a conversation.

It’s a mode of communication that’s never diminished in impact; it’s just faded into the background as the noise and clutter of new technology has stormed in.

Of course, one on one communication takes longer; it’s tempting to go for mass channels where you reach groups of people in one hit.

But are you really reaching them?

The most direct way to convey a message and develop shared understanding is to do it in person, in an environment that promotes safety and respect.

I get it; you don’t have time to speak to people individually – whether it’s team members or in some other context. And digital tools definitely have a place.

But if your topic or issue is in any way sensitive or complex, consider this: Get the communication wrong and you’re likely to spend more time in the long run unravelling misunderstandings or rebuilding burnt relationships than if you’d just gone straight to the person and had a courageous conversation.

In so many areas of our lives, trust has taken a bashing.

We can bring it back – one coffee conversation at a time.