What NOT To Do In Your Next Meeting
By Renée Eaton
You’re in the middle of a meeting, a so-called necessary evil, and while you would rather be doing other things you are trying to listen and be attentive as Susie goes on and on about her issues with IT even though the meeting is about increasing sales.
You’re having trouble giving her your full attention though because Jake, the new guy, didn’t turn off his BlackBerry and it won’t stop its incessant buzzing. Yes, we understand it’s on vibrate, but that doesn’t stop it from doing a dance across the table.
Finally, Susie yields the floor to Bob who mumbles about forgetting the numbers on his desk and then gets his feathers all ruffled when Phil asks him a question about the last quarter.
Meanwhile, Cheryl is driving you nuts because she…just…won’t…stop….SMACKING her gum.
Todd waltzes in 20 minutes late just in time to wrap it all up.
On your way out, you look around and say, “Hey, where’s Linda?”
Sound familiar? One of the reasons meetings reign as the number one time waster in companies is because people fail to follow proper meeting etiquette. This leads to frustration and miscommunication and in the end, people tuning out as soon as the agenda is read.
CNN ran an article by Kate Lorenz of CareerBuilding.com on their site that listed the 10 worst things you can do in a meeting. Are you a culprit? Read on to find out.
1. Show up late.
2. Be unprepared.
3. Monopolize the conversation.
4. Make your statements sound like questions.
5. Misread signals.
6. Get intimidated (remember, it’s a meeting, not a free-for-all, leave that for the parking lot).
7. Chew gum.
8. Keep your cell phone on (putting it on vibrate doesn’t count!)
9. Wander off topic.
10. Skip it.
Call to Action
Alright, so here it is and it’s really easy. You won’t even have to leave your chair! Just pop me a quick e-mail (do it right now even!) and let me know your meeting pet peeves. The things that make you dread going to meetings. I want all the good stuff!
Don’t worry; your identity will be safe with me. I just want to know what lowers productivity in your meetings. Perhaps we can finally put an end to these meetings gone wild.
In case you’ve misplaced it, my e-mail is reaton@bizxcel.com.
P.S. Don’t make me call you. I will! Maybe even show up at your door.
For more information please contact Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com.
Renée Eaton is a Communications Specialist for the business consulting company BizXcel which publishes Generating Greatness, the bi-weekly ezine for business professionals. If you are ready to push your business to new heights, make more money, save time and improve productivity, then get your FREE tips now at http://www.bizxcel.com.
