5 WAYS YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM PARTICIPATING PURPOSEFULLY IN MEETINGS
In a recent coaching session for L-Advance.com my client said “I am not sure why my boss is inviting me too these high level meetings;
My boss is in charge and I am just there to listen.” She had asked her boss about it, but he had just answered he wanted her to join in and learn.
After brainstorming about PURPOSEFUL PARTICIPATION, she uncovered how she could contribute in these meetings and how she could find real value in them for her business goals and for her career.
What are 5 hidden opportunities meetings offer:
Learn about the content. What are the relevant topics, how do they affect everyone? What will need to happen? Think money, people, tasks, timing, consequences… can you read or study about the subject to build subject matter expertise
2. LEADERSHIP EXPERTISE:
Learn to be a keen observer and identify people’s positions, their leadership style, the communication process, how effective the meeting is ran, is everyone participating constructively in a healthy dialogue… how could you be a better chair in your meetings or can you make a comment about how the meeting itself could run smoother?
3. BUILD YOUR NETWORK:
Use the meeting to expand your network. How? Get to know the participants, for example by showing a genuine interest in their preparation, their position, clarify some of their positions at the coffee break, ask for a side meeting about a topic that you are interested in contributing to, etc.
4. SERVE TO GROW: Use these meetings to make your boss successful. When he moves on, you can move up. How? Prepare insights for your boss, provide valuable input for him/her.
5. TRAIN INFLUENCER SKILLS:
Use these meetings to practice making 1 powerful intervention that serves the business and supports your image and how you are perceived in the team. Defend your position. Negotiate. How? By asking a crucial question. By making a valuable suggestion on how to get things done. By taking on an assignment that serves your own departments goals or topics you are passionate about.
…
If you are invited to a meeting, make up your mind in advance:
What are your personal goals for that meeting?
What opportunities are there?
Always look for what serves both your companies goals and yours.
What hidden benefits have you found in meetings?