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Meeting Moxie by speaker and author, Colette Carlson, MA Ever notice at meetings that some people just seem to effortlessly gather attention and recognition while others struggle to even get noticed? Keeping your nose to the grindstone and working hard isn’t enough in today’s workplace. You must be memorable, and to accomplish this smart professionals employ meeting moxie. What does that look like? Show up! This may sound obvious, but it’s too easy not to attend an optional meeting due to the volume of work piling up on your desk. Go anyway. You can’t be remembered if you’re not even there! Plus, you never know who will drop in, what opportunities will be discussed, and hearing information first hand is always better than through the grapevine. Do your Homework. If necessary, read through reports, emails, past minute’s meetings or go on-line for additional information in order to be ready and in the know. No one wants to be asked a question and have to say, “I’m not sure” or “I’m not up to speed on this situation.” Get support. Gain allies before an issue is going to be discussed by doing your homework in advance and identifying key players. Make these individuals aware of your position, and ask directly for their support. “Can I count on you to vocally support me when this issue gets addressed?” Be prepared. Research shows that the fewer movements you make in a meeting, the more you are perceived as credible and intelligent. Have your agenda, notes, writing instruments and any other necessary items with you, and make them easy to access. You don’t want to come in and start fiddling through your purse, briefcase or notebook searching for something you need. It’s distracting, and you look disorganized. Sit to be seen. If you know where key players usually sit at a meeting, position yourself to be able to make eye contact easily. You don’t want to have to lean over or look around others when communicating. When key players speak, give them direct eye contact showing your respect and interest. When you speak, it also makes it easy for them to the same. Speak up! In meetings people who speak up are seen as powerful contributors to the meeting, and if possible, speak up early in a group discussion. Think back to a time when you did share a nugget early on in a meeting. Did you notice that whoever was running the meeting seemed to then give you a large amount of direct eye contact – as if they were talking only to you? That’s because they saw you as an integral player. What if you don’t have anything to add? Piggy-back off of someone else’s comments. For example, your colleague suggests implementing a new program, and you like her approach. Say, “That could be extremely effective, and I’d welcome putting it to work in my department.” Follow-up Quickly. Do your best to follow-up with any action items on your list while it’s still fresh in people’s minds. They will be left with the impression that you not only know how to make things happen, but you can make them happen quickly! And, today, that makes you memorable. Articles may be reproduced with permission from Colette Carlson Communications. |
 
       
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