Not Everyone is Back Yet

The Story
In Dubai, a founder scheduled a decision meeting for the first week of the return, assuming the full group had come back. Two of the four principals were still away, one traveling until mid-month. The meeting proceeded, the discussion was useful, and no decision could be taken. He had lost a week and, more quietly, some of the goodwill of those asked to attend without purpose.

Cultural Principle
In the Gulf, the return from the summer is staggered rather than simultaneous. Scheduling a consequential meeting before the full group has reassembled tends to produce a conversation that must be held a second time.

Takeaway
Before setting a decision meeting, confirm who is actually back. One short message asking when each person returns costs you a day, and it protects the meeting from being held twice.

In stillness,
Taqua