What is your definition of a meeting?

I am a supervisor in my department but I aint got my own office. My desk is basically an arm's length to the next person's table, no cubicles, no barriers. I never conduct those formal "meetings" as I prefer to just talk to my group casually - while I'm in my desk and while theyre in theirs. I still get to share/send out information & ideas to them that way and somehow still encourage them to share their ideas. I think that - that is still considered a meeting. However a subordinate of mine told me awhile ago that we should have a weekly meeting. That got me confused because I thought that we are regularly talking & they know that they can open up anything to me, any work related concerns, they can just blurt them out anytime during office hours. So what does she mean by "we should have regular weekly meetings"?

She probably means a board room with a huge table and everyone sits down and discusses business but as long as your method works for you, not a problem.

What you do now sounds a little informal (nothing wrong with that). She is probably suggesting something more formal and organized. A scheduled time a place where everyone can sit down at a conference table together to discuss whatever it is your department does, goals, plans, performance review, numbers, etc.

a meeting is an excuse to go out drinking with the boys and not have the wife go bonkers.

everything else are meeting meetings.

What the subordinate means (I believe) is a "formal" meeting. At such a meeting, things said are considered "on the record" and not just table talk.

A meeting is the proper place to voice opinions, ideas or problems. I can sympathize with you because of the lack of formal space that is given to you.
I would suggest checking around for a quiet place such as off hour lunchroom or if your lucky, a formal meeting room (assuming your supervisor would allow you to use it).
I wish you well.

My definition of a meeting: a workplace gathering of three or more people, where at least one person is either

a) dozing off,

b) doodling,

c) sending text messages on his cell phone, hidden neatly under the table

d) droning on and on about something dumb,

and/or

e) kissing the boss' a-s-s

Also, it's a "meeting" if -- and only if -- no constructive work actually gets done.

.