I strongly disagree with the sentiment that 1-1s are dehumanizing, as I have found that most of my 1-1s have been friendly, warm, and fun even though they were mostly confined to 30 min.
Something else I can recommend is taking a walk around the block with someone instead of sitting at a table facing each other. This makes it more casual and less formal.
Overall I understand your idea that 1-1s can seem too business-like but my impression is that there are a few tricks to approach them in a way that is more fun.
I’ve also found going for walks during 1-on-1s to be nice, to the point that I do this for the majority of my 1-on-1s (this also has the side benefit of reducing covid risk)
I strongly disagree with the sentiment that 1-1s are dehumanizing, as I have found that most of my 1-1s have been friendly, warm, and fun even though they were mostly confined to 30 min.
Something else I can recommend is taking a walk around the block with someone instead of sitting at a table facing each other. This makes it more casual and less formal.
Overall I understand your idea that 1-1s can seem too business-like but my impression is that there are a few tricks to approach them in a way that is more fun.
Regarding your example of meeting the best people in the strangest places, I also make sure to add randomness to my conferences: https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/ixdejJKnonBmaiF4T/add-randomness-to-your-ea-conferences
Yeah, I like your idea of going out for walks too. I did that with one attendee last time.
I’ve also found going for walks during 1-on-1s to be nice, to the point that I do this for the majority of my 1-on-1s (this also has the side benefit of reducing covid risk)