Why do we insist on talking about the weather?
When there’s nothing else, atmospheric conditions offer an early bond between strangers.
It’s a safe way to avoid awkward silence. Weather is always changing and may be one of the easiest forms of small talk, but it’s just so shallow. Remain courteous to cordial strangers, but for anyone we already know, talk of the weather is weak and pointless. Now, there are meaningful topics like climate change, severe weather, and contingencies for planned activity, but sagacious leaders make it rain with thoughtful questions that draw out deeper discussions.
Breeze past the weather talk to respect people’s time, to show an interest in real progress, and to forecast more relevant bonds that last.
Brewed From Within
#43 📖 Leadership
1 Comment
Ben McDougal · August 31, 2026 at 2:07 PM
ORIGINAL – 6/26/23
“How’s the weather?”
Who cares! Why do we talk about the weather? When there’s nothing else, the weather offers an early bond between strangers. This is because everyone has experience, and can therefore relate to different atmospheric conditions.
The weather is always changing and may be one of the easiest forms of small talk, but it’s just so boring. We can’t change it, so what does it matter? If you’re catching up with someone you already know, talk of the weather is even more pointless! Besides meaningful topics like climate change, the danger of severe weather, and the impact our environment has on shared activities, I propose we skip all the weather talk.
Next time you’re asked about the weather, breeze past the status quo.
Make it rain with thoughtful questions to forecast more compelling bonds that last.
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