What is discussion?

This frustration just keeps building up day by day…💔 What even is a discussion? I don't mean in a philosophical sense… isn't it supposed to be where everyone brings their opinions, like 'How about this?' or 'What about that?' But then, 'Since this is how it works, maybe this is better?' or 'What do you think, [Name]?' – isn't it about everyone present participating, not just a select few?? So why is it that every time a meeting is called, it just ends up with the usual small group getting hyped and that's it? It sort of drifts along, and then during the smoke break, it feels like the decision is just made amongst the smoking group in a sort of gossip session. Basically, it's only decided by the smoking group. If that's the case, then don't call us together from the start. If you don't intend to hear our opinions, then I'm not needed, right? Plus, I hate it because the conversation immediately goes in a different direction and they start talking about something else. In the end, it's not even about the main topic. Yet, we take up time with no results. No decisions are made. I just hate this loop where it ultimately gets decided in the smoke break meeting. What a drag.