5 Tips to Make Meetings Matter
Ben Franklin said it best: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
At least that’s the case if you go to meetings unprepared. Though dreaded by many, and seen by some as time-wasters, meetings offer employees an opportunity to shine.
“In the business world, the conference room is the stage. If you don’t perform well in business meetings, you are not going to do well with you career,” says New York brand strategist Catherine Kaputa, author of the new book “Women Who Brand: How Smart Women Promote Themselves and Get Ahead.” (Nicholas Brealey America, 2014)
Though women tend to speak up less often at meetings, both genders could do more to prepare. Kaputa notes that when you perform poorly in meetings, you don’t appear confident or, even worse, people might think you’re lacking in ideas. Resist the temptation to check emails at meetings or make to-do lists.
It’s wise to prepare for each meeting, but also to develop your own communication style and ideas so that you are a regular contributor to discussions. As you rise in the corporate ladders, your success will be defined by how well you communicate yourself, she adds.
“You want to define a clear point of view and style so that your vision and ideas are linked to your words and speaking style, and vice versa,” Kaputa adds.
You also want to watch your posture. Crossing your arms, slouching, or taking up a small amount of space communicates low power to others. Instead, stand tall and lean in.
Here are some other tips from Kaputa: