How to shine in a meeting
November is a month of darker days and longer evenings, and despite bonfire night and Diwali (The Festival of Lights), light can be difficult to come by. So, if you feel the need to create your own brightness this month, then there are some simple ways you can shine in a meeting.
Not everyone is a fan of meetings. Sometimes they can drag on forever and depending on who’s involved you can find yourself keeping a low profile, or worse still not saying a word because someone else is talking enough for everyone.
Showcase your talents
However, it’s worth remembering that meetings can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your capabilities and demonstrate your engagement, passion, and curiosity.
So, instead of dreading them and wishing you were somewhere else, there are things you can do before, during and after a meeting that will ensure you make a good impression. Done correctly, they will also demonstrate your willingness to be part of a team, play a vital role in making meetings more effective and potentially help to advance your career.
Set yourself up for success
Being part of a successful meeting does not happen by luck or chance, you need to play your part. Here are some top tips to ensure you shine for all the right reasons.
Before the meeting
Find out what the meeting is about – purpose, topics, goals etc.
Look at who’s involved and discover what you can about them – personality, reputation, skills, knowledge, achievements, management or meeting style etc.
Do your homework and any research you can so you can understand what the issues are, what needs to be achieved and are able to contribute your own ideas.
Ask for an agenda if there is one, or perhaps offer to prepare one yourself.
Jot down any thoughts or questions you have. If they get answered during the meeting, then that’s great. If not, you’ll get the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your interest and understanding in front of your colleagues/boss.
During the meeting
If you don’t know everyone in the room, then take a few minutes to introduce yourself.
Sit up straight, make eye contact, listen actively, remove any distractions (phone etc.).
Share some of your own ideas confidently.
Ask insightful questions. For example.
What is the biggest challenge we are currently facing and how can we all pull
together to overcome it?
What resources would help get this over the line?
What do we need to focus on before we next meet?
Make detailed notes.
After the meeting
It happens all too often - everyone is full of energy in a meeting, ideas flow freely, and people commit to making things happen. The meeting ends, everyone goes their separate ways and then nothing is progressed. Here’s where you can add your definitive and memorable sparkle.
Prepare minutes, or a meeting summary, and share with all attendees.
Confirm actions/responsibilities/timing going forwards, especially your own.
Check everyone is happy with their tasks.
Input any further ideas you may have had after the meeting.
Follow up your own actions by agreed deadlines.
Ask for help
For help in developing the confidence to speak up do get in touch. Through bespoke one-to-one coaching, or development programmes, I can support you to present your ideas clearly, so you will be more effective and successful.