Career Advice - How To Make Meetings Work For You

might stop complaining about meetings. Like it or not, they are here to stay. So it makes sense to make meetings work for you.

Here eight things you can do to reach that goal.

1 Do your homework. Most people do not. Just be prepared that you will enjoy the benefits. Know what the meeting all about - the stated purpose, and secret plans. If you do not know, ask. Study background material. Set your goal for the session. Make a list of points that you want to make and assemble the facts to support them.

2 Never be late for the meeting. If others have started without you, you can start with an unfavorable položaju.Pozicioniranje ritual has already begun, and some data are exchanged.

3 Understand that meetings go through phases: (1) Participants feel each other, (2) hierarchical order is established, (3) The basic rules and purposes emerge, and (4) the subject turned to

Obviously, if you block the process works in one stage, while others in another.

4 Understanding the dynamics of the meeting, a special seating arrangement. For example, you'll find that if you are sitting at a rectangular table, the leader gravitate to the head of the table, the seat is awarded or not, the number two person will sit at the other end. Even if someone else is the top honcho is seated at the head table, that person will act more strongly than usual.

You can also get the feeling that some people feel confident about their roles by observing that sit in their chairs. Those who are convinced of their power is likely to sit relaxed, kind of laid back in their chairs. Those who are supplicants, seeking to win a point or to make an impression, they tend to be sitting next to something solid position.

5 Participate. You were not invited to the meeting because of your good looks.

speak. If you have questions about the purpose of the meeting or order of the agenda, so to speak. Help keep things on track sticking point and challenging (in a friendly way) of those who stray off the path.

6 If you are what you think is the best idea since sliced ​​bread, offer it with confidence and enthusiasm, but as this is the only solution.

If someone tries to slant your ideas in the direction you never intended, try saying "I'm sorry that I was not clear. What I am suggesting that suggests ..."

to expect that others may try to change his idea. If you are successful, will always be the one that restates revised. That way you know your basic idea survive and retain authorship.

7 Do not be afraid to disagree with other participants, when necessary. Although, disagreements are never pleasant, the meeting was destined for failure if honest differences of opinion are not tolerated. Try to disagree pleasantly, of course.

8 Do your part to make meetings effective. Remember, a wise man said: "The only thing wrong with meeting people who attend them."