The power-hungry give particular attention to meetings.
Politicos bargain over agendas.
Individuals bring their open and hidden agendas to meetings and may be satisfied that after endless and circular discussion a stalemate has resulted. Accruing power via this source involves interpreting and shaping the parameters and criteria on which decisions are made processes that define, explore and decide on matters and actions what the issues and objectives are. It is possible to achieve personal interests merely by not explicity discussing an issue - letting it go by default. For a controversial programme it might be possible, say, to delay matters by seeking further small but important changes. The ensuing debate can channel effort away from the main programme issues.