What’s your take on eating during meetings? My take is eating during normal lunch / dinner hours (12-3p / 6-8p) for internal calls is fine; eating during client calls is never cool (even during a 6 hour discovery session 10am-4pm)
Thoughts?

likesmarthelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I never feel bad about doing it on a call. I’m at home and will eat food when it’s prepared by my spouse and hot. I won’t ask my spouse to change their schedule based on my call schedule that day, and it’s rude to eat their food after it’s gone cold when they took the time to prepare it

like

Always home in time for dinner at McKinsey

Post Photo
likefunny

This is total BS haha. Even before wfh Zoom life, I would bring snacks, protein shakes, and candy to in person client meetings - unless I was upfront leading a workshop or presentation. I can’t tell you how many times clients commented on the fact that they appreciated it because then they knew that they could bring food to meetings with us too. Also, I’d share the candy and snacks, and the protein and other health drinks always started fun conversations. It makes us seem more human and less like pretentious stiffs and robots. If you can’t establish professionalism and credibility through other means than not eating something during a call, probably worth taking a moment to reflect.

likesmart

Just visualizing EM2 passing around a shaker bottle of protein and everybody taking a sip, like out of a flask!

I know that was not the intent of your comment, but still made me chuckle.

Recent IconRecent

I disagree. I rarely leave my desk and I’m on nonstop video calls for 8 plus hours per day. I’m already giving up so much that I think people can live with me eating during calls as long I’m on mute/not chomping loudly in people’s ears.

like

Agreed, mute and no video on.

like

If you want to eat on a call, turn off your camera and be on mute.

likesmart

I’m back to back all day so I eat when I’m hungry (and on mute/no video)

likesmarthelpful

Exactly this. Else I would starve and get physically sick which would not help my project or team.

like

If you’re the highest rank on the call, anything goes

likefunny

Says a lot about our society.

like

If I am hungry I am eating, unless I am sharing my screen and making live updates (which happens more than I would hope)

likehelpful

I think if you’re booked nonstop with an internal call at lunch you can eat and just mention you have no choice.

If there’s a 10-4 client meeting there should be a damn break! Everyone on that call is gonna need to eat...

likesmart

Wow. Definitely everyone would be miserable on that call. If you have a 10am to 4pm call without multiple breaks plus a food break that's pretty messed up.

like

Very bad manners in my opinion. But sadly quite common these days.

like

@P1 where do you work? You sound like a considerate leader!

If people don’t want me to eat during meetings, don’t schedule meetings during meal times. 🤷🏾‍♀️

like

What's next? never cool to go to the bathroom during 6hr client meetings or day long sprints. Just wear a diaper instead.

likefunny

Broadly agree — i would say try and schedule your lunch time (15-20min) around your meetings to ensure you’re not eating on call - bad for health, focus etc. rather than a bad look.

If you have a 6 hour call then chances are you’re not speaking for all of it. Try and get 30 minutes when you can turn off camera and grab a working lunch.

like

Internally, there should be breaks for meals. I ask my team to block a 30min lunch break every day and we typically stop team meetings before 7:30 or so when dinner happens. If you absolutely can’t get out of it, I think it’s fine (on an internal call) to say “hey, I’ve been B2B today and haven’t had a chance to eat. I’m here and listening in but I’m going off-camera to have a quick bite.” Then just chime in (not while you’re chewing) with thoughts and go on mute while you eat.

Client meetings should -never- be scheduled that long without a break. If the client schedules something like that, I’d ask for a 30minute break halfway through. Your team (and probably your client) cannot stay focused that long. Shortening it 30min and adding the break will probably make it more productive if extending isn’t an option.

like

If your camera isn’t on and you don’t have to talk 🤷‍♀️. Good way to game the lunch break system and go for a walk during the break and then eat and listen during the call

like

If I'm hungry, I'm eating -- especially in some 6 hr mtg. I don't care.

Mute works just fine and no one ever knows.

like

I think that we used to eat together all the time and it should be fine now

like

If ppl are putting meatings during my lunch break (when I have one) or book everything on my calendar, I just couldn’t care less. I’m not their slave. If they want me to do good work, I have to eat otherwise 🖕🏼off!

like

What is a "discovery session"?

funny

A discovery session is a workshop with the client to understand the current state (hence the term “discovery” where you discover the unknowns). And use the knowledge of current state to chalk out the implementation plan for future state.

likefunny

Totally okay. Most of us are on back to back calls all day. Gotta eat, gotta make that brain work and bring in the money.

like

6-8pm? What kinda life..nvm

like

Related Posts

I have drank 49 out of the last 90 days. Typically two glasses of red wine at night. Is this an issue? I do want to lower my drinking but have been struggling with doing so honestly.

like

MS PROJECT: Any recommendations for an online/in-person (NYC) course for beginners? My company is willing to pay for it so let’s get this learning started! 😄

like

Has anyone successfully pivoted from Project management to consulting? If so, what advice do you have and what industry did you pivot from/into?

like

I'm ready for the concept of plant-based diets to really go mainstream in this country. It would do wonders for our health outcomes.

like

How long did you wait to tell your boss you’re pregnant? I’m 7 and a half weeks pregnant and have a subchorionic hematoma so my doctor has been doing twice weekly scans to monitor because of my previous miscarriages. It’s obviously affecting my availability and I want to tell my boss but I don’t know if it’s the right decision.

like

Client sends an urgent request for 5 social ads, including imagery and copy, to be completed today. Creative team is busy. The request is out of scope. What are appropriate next steps?

like

Sorry for the delay, was sick yesterday. And yes, when I say sick, I really mean hung over. Been a few years since that happened. Anyway, good luck. I personally don't see any plays this week.

Post Photo
like

Insurance company just denied my prior authorization for IVF due to high FSH.

I can't afford paying it myself. I’m 40, it’s like my last chance of having a child in this life is vanishing. I am heartbroken.

like
like

Looking for remote healthcare opportunities in business ops or project management. Recommendations welcome.

like

5 weeks ago I told my boss we need to start working on a “we’re open again” spot. She basically called me blind for not seeing that the Covid crisis was nowhere near finished and then accused me of not having enough work to do. This morning at 6 am she texted me - “Need you to kick off a ‘we’re open again’ spot with the agency. Tell them they have 1.5 weeks to stand it up.”

likefunny

Does anyone else get more depressed and anxious in the office/on-site vs remote? How do you deal with it? My depression and mood swings are really blunted when I can work at home from my sunny office

like

I'm interviewing for a Marketing Lead Project Management (Strategic Program Mgr) role at ZS Associates in IL. Can anyone market rate salary range? 5-10 yrs Project Management w/bachelors/ 3-8+ with Masters. Thanks!

like

After ignoring my health and fitness for years, I’m finally looking to kick start a sustainable journey. Just went for a 10k steps walk two days in a row and I feel so tired! 😩 I am ashamed at this absolutely low stamina, but please tell me this is normal and it gets better!

likesmart

Hey all - anyone currently utilizing an “adoption platform” for training end users while in a system implementation?

Success rates? Client satisfaction? End User adoption rates higher than traditional training?

Thanks for insights!

likehelpful

My career counselor has seemed kind of cold towards me lately and I’m not sure why. Previously, she’s been someone I could count on to sponsor me, but she seems eager to get off our check in calls and hasn’t advocated for me in the ways I would’ve expected. For example, I went outside of our account for a stretch role and had walked through the logic of that decision (the role is on a high visibility project that could lead to more work, it’s a role meant for someone two career levels above mine

like

How much a project manager should get?

like
like

Am I seen as “unprofessional” or ”ungrateful” if I roll off a project that extended me 3 times already? I have a project that wants to staff me. I am new to consulting and I was in industry for 2 years. My career counselor seemed concerned as to why I wanted to roll off a project that was not contributing to building new skill sets.

like

Got COVID from attending firm conference, wish I could get some billable hour credits…

like

More Posts

Best men’s pants for daily wear? Going to/from business casual clients and to/from home office

I started dating this guy some months before covid struck.. he was literally crazy about me. He even stayed in Hyderabad for months just so that we could meet once before he went on to stay with his family. After that it had been a real roller coaster. He pampered me a lot before and now he hardly talks. We both have switched to different companies (earlier were in the same) and now he works 6 days a week. Sleeps or Vists his relatives or works on Sundays. Sometimes I feel he no longer loves me.

like

Hi Fishes,

What will be my in hand salary
Yoe - 4

Post Photo
like

Hello Fishes.
I work in India as an in-house contract attorney. I want an opportunity outside my country. Is it possible to take up a job in a different country without doing any course or certification?
Please DM me for any open opportunities.

like

Hi fishes, in urgent need of your suggestions.

One of my friend is having offer from
Oracle Pune for software developer role in Oracle store team. but he does not have clear idea of the role whether it will be operations, support or development work.

Does anyone know what kind of work is there in store team. Also, is it possible to change the project once we get inside?

Urgent suggestions required...

Thanks!

like

Hello fishes!
I am looking for a entry level job in KPMG or EY can anyone please refer me
Job role - finance, tax or audit department
No work experience
Fresher graduate

like

If I hear "volume to value " or "care continuum or "longitudinal care" one more time...

like

Hi Folks, I submitted documents 2 weeks ago for BGV in Tech Mahindra. I have not got any response so far from HR. However, last week they scheduled another interview and dropped me email just before 15 mins, yet i joined the interview but no one joined from their end. Now, HR is not responding. What should I understand from this case? Am I rejected? Tech Mahindra Tata Consultancy

like

Work Life Balance! ✨

Post Photo
likefunny

I have recently got an offer at Salesforce, sf industries to be specific. For senior tech consultant role.

Willing to know the following.

1) WLB
2) WFH
3) Career growth
4) Yearly hikes.

India location.

like

Dear people, please refer me for a business analyst role if there are any opportunities in your company. BA EXP- 1 year // Total EXP 3.5 yrs.

like

Anyone know a good Hermes SA in NYC or Paris? Any shopping tips?

Writers! What’s your process for coming up with concepts/ideas?

like

First time building Roth IRA account. Stocks you think I should add?

like

AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION

Post Photo
likefunny

Hi, I'm a new member and I need help. I have 31 likes from my posts and replies but I'm still not able to DM others. I suspect it's the first love icon that needs to be 11. What is this love icon with a count of 10, and how can I earn 1 more?

Post Photo
likesmartupliftinghelpful

How do yall close the summer out in Chicago?

like
like

Additional Posts in Consulting

Thoughts on winking at someone you're interested in? 😉

like

I wish people would know how to correctly add a dial in # to a calendar invite so that I can dial directly from my phone.

like

Do you think Apple made the best strategic decision by launching iPhone 14?

like

Best SPG/Marriott hotels in downtown NYC? Thoughts on 11 Howard?

like

Anyone here manage rental properties or airbnbs? How much do you net profit and how many properties?

like

Every time i get delayed and get home 2-3 am on a Friday, I ask myself why i still have this job

like

Are there non-FAANG companies with comparable compensation & WLB? It seems impossible to break into FAANG.

likefunny

About to board a flight, see a guy with a sweatshirt that says, “I’m a consultant. To save time, let’s just assume I’m never wrong” 😂

funnylike

Good morning, Patagonia Vest Consultant writing, what songs should I have on my party playlist for tonight?

likefunny

Travel dinners: lobster appetizer,filet mignon, Parmesan roasted broccoli, honey seared carrots, and Pinot noir with some IPA's after for good measure. Dinner when home: hot pocket and campbell's soup

like

Controversial: Work-Life Balance Is Overrated.

likefunny

Anybody else get 20 bux in the mail from the LinkedIn settlement? 💸💸💸

like

I mean, who doesn't love the no-notice friday email from client saying call me now

like

Just had the craziest experience avoiding a bully attempt. I think I barely made it out alive (knock on wood)! Still in shock that this kind of stuff actually happens... #chooseyournetworkwisely

like

ACN: CDO and C&M ... Please explain the damn difference as both have done each other's roles all the time. Also Salaries please. Want to know if the firm really is baselining them.

like

How much does senior analyst/level 10 make at ACN? Specifically Tech/Digital.

like

Forgot to turn on cabin pressure....

Post Photo
likefunny

Best consulting firms in Nashville, TN besides the Big 4 and Accenture?

like

I've worked at the same engineering firm for 4 years. I'm currently making $161k with only a $750 bonus, but excellent vacation (4 weeks, cash out anytime, rolls over indefinitely), 45 hours a week. I have an interview with a recruiter at Guidehouse this week for a Technical Project Manager role. It seems to be focused in the government space and requires a security clearance. What sort of salary and benefits could I expect for this sort of role at Guidehouse?

like

Living and working in ey McLean office?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal