TLDR: this is a rant against the small talk!
What is the small talk? It's basically the icebreaker, whenever you're stuck in silence with someone. It's the conversation about the weather, your weekend activities or any other topic that brings zero value to you. So, what's wrong with this kind of conversations and why they are misused nowadays in the work-related communication nowadays?
It's being used by co-workers that do not like each other. Yeah, you know, you must talk with Bob to get shit done. The problem is, you don't like him, because he questioned your proposal or expressed a disagreement. And then you go, "Hey Bob, I hope you had a great weekend. How was the weather, did you enjoy your time?". Then Bob replies and engages himself with the small talk. After 40 minutes of time waste, you finally ask him, "Yo, can you do X". Bob confirms and you reply with a simple "Thanks". And that's it. The end. Nothing more, nothing less.
Here the misuse of the small talk is the waste of your time, and Bob's time. Why just not ask Bob "Hey Bob, we have to do this and that, could you please do X". It's Bob's responsibility to do it! There's nothing wrong to ask him to do it. It's wrong to waste your and someone else's time!
When it's about business and professional relationship, I try to avoid the small talks. I know it's waste of time. I know that time is the most valuable resource. I go straight to the point!