Relationship building happens in the gaps between data. Learn how to be truly present and socially intelligent in your next informal 1-on-1 encounter.
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In the professional world, the informal coffee chat has become a vital tool for networking, collaboration and building professional relationships. However, bringing standard productivity tools into these meetings can destroy the chemistry you are trying to create. In a coffee chat, the laptop lid acts as a wall — both physically and psychologically. It signals to your counterpart that you are processing data rather than connecting with a person. This barrier kills the chemistry of the encounter. Taking notes on a slim, paper-like tablet designed for focus allows you to maintain the eye contact and body language that build trust, signaling that the person in front of you is your priority.
When we type, we often fall into mindless transcription — writing down exactly what someone said without processing it. Handwriting forces the brain to summarize and synthesize. In a study performed by neuroscientist Dr. Thomas Zoëga Ramsøy, we saw that working on a reMarkable paper tablet increased concentration with 20% and memory retention by 17%, compared to PC. In a coffee chat, the "gold" is often in the nuances, the tone, and the quick sketches of ideas. reMarkable allows you to capture this level of detail without the intrusive feel of a recording device or a glowing screen.
While the chat is informal, the follow-up shouldn't be. Immediately after the meeting, you can convert your handwritten action items into text and send them to your team. This bridges the gap between the social intelligence of a chat and the professional execution of a project, a theme explored further in our guide on better team meetings.
