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| Ten worst things to do at a meeting |
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(CareerBuilder.com) -- Meetings have been hailed as the No. 1 time-waster in
corporate America, and -- unless food is served to offset the boredom -- the
most tortuous part of the work day.
Who among us hasn't cringed as the office windbag launched into a self-aggrandizing
discourse that was completely off-point? Pitied a meek co-worker who got trounced
by the office bully? Or marveled at a colleague's ability to string together
an array of buzzwords that mean absolutely nothing?
Yet no matter how mind-numbing things get, don't be lulled into thinking that
meetings aren't important. The fact is, they can make -- or break -- your career.
Here are 10 things you should never do in a meeting:
1. Show Up Late.
Nothing says "I'm disorganized" like walking into a meeting already
in progress. Arriving a few minutes early not only demonstrates that you respect
your colleagues' time, but guarantees you get a good seat as well.
2. Be Unprepared.
If you've been given an agenda or materials beforehand, read them. Think of any
questions you have or contributions you could make to the subjects being discussed.
3. Monopolize the Conversation.
When discussion ensues, it's protocol to let more senior figures contribute first.
Once they've said their piece, concisely make your points. Don't drone on --
or feel compelled to speak at all if you don't have anything purposeful to say.
As the old adage goes, "Better to be thought a fool, than speak and remove
all doubt."
4. Make Your Statements Sound Like Questions.
Phrasing your statements as questions invites others to say no, argue or take
credit for your ideas. Speak in declarative sentences, such as, "Let's do
more research on that."
5. Misread Signals.
Try to gauge the needs and mood of those in the room. Listen carefully to what
people are saying to discern how receptive they might be to your ideas. You need
to make your message relevant to your audience. For example, if everyone is focused
on cutting costs and you're angling for a system upgrade, you'll either want
to stress how the new software will save money -- or table your request for another
day.
6. Get Intimidated.
Unfortunately, some of your co-workers may view meetings as a battleground and
themselves as verbal gladiators, sparring for the boss' favor. If you become
the victim of a put-down or accusation, calmly defend yourself. If you need to
buy time to think, do so with a question that will make your attacker accountable.
For example: "Andrew, when did you start thinking I don't care about our
sales results?"
7. Chew Gum.
The smacking, popping, cracking and cow-like chewing are annoying. Plus, it's
rude and unprofessional. 'Nuff said.
8. Keep Your Cell Phone On.
You turn it off in restaurants and at the movies. Turn it off for your meeting.
A ringing phone interrupts the presenter and distracts the audience. And whatever
you do, never take a call in the middle of a meeting.
9. Wander Off Topic.
Don't hijack the agenda. Stay focused on what you and your team are trying to
accomplish. If you must digress into unrelated areas, make sure it's all right
with the others present. A good way to handle important issues not related to
the topic at hand is to record them on a flipchart and revisit them at an appropriate
time.
10. Skip It.
Sure, you might get more done if you forgo a meeting to stay at your desk and
do your actual work. But if the meeting was called by someone higher up in the
organization, you'll miss an opportunity to make yourself known. Remember, in
the end, meetings aren't just about productivity, they're also about projecting
a positive image and building professional relationships.
Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches
and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace
issues.
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