The French are right to say that the absent are always wrong.
It is so much easier to misunderstand or misrepresent or simply ignore those who aren't there.
If we show up, we can explain and press. Rightly or wrongly, it is so much harder to disagree with or criticise or forget those with whom we are face to face.
Often in a meeting someone who makes a sensible clear proposal can carry the day. Likely a number of those there don't really know or care what should be done on every matter. Any suggestion can sometimes take things forward in the speaker's desired direction: many will agree to a pause or an experiment even if they are not totally convinced.
We can probably all think of times when someone has been unfair to someone who wasn't able to defend or query. Politeness, conflict averseness and a desire to be liked and get on normally prevent this unless it's behind the back.
To be there gives us a chance to contribute and question and the likelihood of being taken more seriously.
If anything significant might be decided and you can be, make sure you're in the room. Normally it is those present who vote. The absentees will always abstain.
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