Meeting Of The Minds: How To Excel At Company Meetings

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all want to excel at our work/career and get ahead in life. And, if you’re like most of us, you thought that’s what college was for.

Still, experts and professionals alike point out that while college may have given you the book smarts and the key to open the door, it likely did not prepare you for the real world by teaching you the semantics of office politics and protocol.

And, school most certainly didn’t prepare you for surviving weekly meetings. Yet, experts and professionals assert that as mundane and repetitive as they may seem, meeting are what the business world is made of, and they can make or break your road to riches and success.

With that said, here are 10 things to avoid when it’s meeting time

1. Walk In After The Fact: You’ll want to be there at least 15 minutes BEFORE the meeting starts. In fact, if you want to come across as indifferent, untrustworthy, unreliable and disorganized and mess up your chances of advancement or a promotion, show up late. Otherwise make sure your there ready to go and on time. And, if you “do” hit traffic or there’s an emergency place a call well in advance, maybe even call twice from the road and get there as soon as you can.

2. Show Up Unprepared: Especially if you’ve been given literature to read or a task to complete, make sure it’s done and that you are ready to go. Also think of any questions you can ask or contributions you can make.

3. Ruling The Conversation: Besides being courteous and diplomatic, it’s imperative you know when to speak and when to keep quiet. Standard protocol suggests that when conversation ensues you allow bosses and supervisors to speak first, then you can concisely make your point, but make sure you say “just enough” without going on and on. Remember, it’s best to be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

4. Don’t Question Yourself Or Others: Yes, it’s best to think before you speak, but when you do, it’s best to make declarative statements rather than pose a statement in question form. Phrasing statements as questions allows others to say no, argue or accept credit for your ideas. So, make sure to phrase in declarative sentences and statements.

5. “Reason” On Misinterpretation: Try to “read” your audience and what they need. A large part of that is listening to what they say and determining how responsive they will be to your ideas and presentation. Remember, you need to tailor your message to your crowd. So, if cost cutting is a concern, try not to focus on how much necessary upgrades will cost.

6. Let “Fear” Set In: It’s easy to get intimidated in a room full of people, some that may like you and your views and others that won’t. Still it’s imperative to come across with confidence and to be able to defend yourself and your opinions. And, if you need to buy yourself some time, retort with a question that will cause the “attacker” to think and make him or her accountable.

7. Chewing Gum: Replace gum with a mint you can discretely tuck away in the side of your cheek. Chewing gum, especially if you’re popping it or chewing loudly is annoying and unprofessional.

8. Take Personal Calls: In fact it’s best to leave your cell at your desk or turn it off. Interruptions are “rude” and they distract both the speaker and the audience. And, taking a call, unless it has 911 after it, can make you look disinterested and disengaged.

9. Get Off Track: No matter how tempted you are to digress, try to stay on schedule and on topic. If you do digress, make sure it’s a “diversion” that brings your point home. And, if you “do” get sidetracked by audience members, stay on course by jotting down their comments and thoughts and getting back to them at a better time.

10. Sitting It Out: A very big No-No. Regardless of how much more productive you think you can be, remember, someone above you likely called the meeting and expects you there. Plus, you’ll pass up a chance to create a positive image of yourself, show you’re a team player and get more well know, and that, in addition to productivity will get you noticed and promoted.