How to Shine in a Meeting....

Do you have a work meeting coming up? Remember that those who succeed are usually those who stand out. Meetings are a great chance for you to showcase your capabilities and gain positive visibility. Follow these top tips to be the one that shines..

• Work harder than everyone else.

There is no substitute for hard work. If you are quite clearly working as hard as you can, it is likely you will be the one to succeed. Not many people work to the best of their ability at all times; if you feel you can, do it. Ensure this hard work shines through in your meeting by making positive and helpful comments to your colleagues, and by demonstrating a strong knowledge of your business.

• Show a little of your personal side.

Personality is what helps others to identify and remember you. The majority find meetings boring, so spice it up a little with a charismatic approach. As long as it’s not too risky, you will definitely be remembered in a positive light. Let people know a little about you; a few personal details add colour and depth to your professional image.

• Do your homework before the meeting.

In order to make intelligent comments, offer helpful suggestions or ask good questions, you need to know a meeting’s purpose and topic areas in advance. If you have received a vague notice or agenda, enquire about what is going to be discussed.   

If it’s your supervisor or team leader who is calling the staff or group together and has left the focus a bit loose, you might offer to prepare an agenda by saying: “This could save time and help the staff / team come prepared to provide useful input.” Be seen as someone who knows how to make meetings effective. This ability is a real career asset, especially in team-based organizations.

• Follow up and follow through after the meeting.

What happens after a meeting can be just as important as what takes place during it. Ideas presented must be implemented and decisions carried out. Even as a participant, you can take an active role in ensuring all changes and decisions are implemented correctly.

Even if someone else is taking minutes, make brief notes about each agenda item. This is a good way to keep your team and boss informed as well as to be available to prepare a meeting summary and send it out to everyone.

In order to succeed, it is important to be seen as someone with drive and motivation. By acting on all of these points, you show that you are committed to the business and ready to go all the way.