I turn up late to meetings to dodge small talk. Am I wrong?

An anonymous individual, who chairs meetings at a US research university, admits to disliking small talk and prefers to dive straight into the agenda. Despite being perceived as a chatty extrovert, they find small talk unnecessary and often arrive late to avoid it. Nature sought opinions from other scientists to evaluate whether this behavior is efficient or rude. Some scientists agree that small talk can be tedious, but emphasize the importance of punctuality and the social benefits of brief conversations before meetings. They argue that small talk can ease the atmosphere, foster collaboration, and help build new relationships. The consensus suggests that while efficiency is important, arriving late to avoid small talk may come off as disrespectful and could hinder new connections. QUESTION: How might the balance between efficiency and social interaction in meetings impact teamwork and collaboration in your future career?