There’s a right way to conduct yourself during meetings, and then there’s…other ways. While meetings may seem like a time-waster within an already busy schedule, or an “easy morning” after you’ve been up too late, the fact of the matter is, meetings bring together people who can either make or break your career. With each gathering comes an opportunity to present yourself as a professional and to showcase your skills. Use your meetings wisely by making your best impression with these quick Do’s and Don’ts.
Do:
- Dress appropriately. If there’s new faces, clients, or other important people on the attendance list, bring your outfit up a notch
- Be prepared to discuss your thoughts. You’ve been invited to the meeting for a reason, so you should be ready with something to contribute
- Arrive a few minutes early so you can make introductions, pick up copies of the agenda, and settle in with your notepad or laptop
- Be aware of your body language. Sit up straight with your arms open instead of crossed
- Stay focused and engaged. This will demonstrate your respect
- Keep your comments relevant to the topic at hand so the meeting doesn’t get derailed or take up extra time
- Have a positive, we-can-do-it attitude
- Be willing to volunteer for an upcoming assignment or task
- Thank others for their time
- Leave your place neat. Throw out garbage and push in your chair
Don’t:
- Show up late
- Come without the necessary materials or information
- Slouch in your chair
- Text or visit social media sites
- Click pens, tap nails, or jiggle your foot
- Speak too much
- Bring up topics not on the agenda
- Mentally check out
- Interrupt others
- Have a defeated, negative attitude
- Put others’ ideas down
- Eat meals (unless it’s been provided at the meeting)
- Leave a mess
