Do you have trouble entering a room full of strangers? Do you get nervous and come across as aloof? Perhaps you’re a leader with a new team looking for ways to incorporate meeting room etiquette into your culture.
In the 21st century, face-to-face meetings are more common than ever. You may never see some colleagues without virtual meetings. Because of the close proximity, the team must rely on good meeting room etiquette.
Don’t know what to do? There are several meeting room tips here that you need to know. Keep reading to learn more!
Always Be on Time
Being punctual is vital whether you are chairing a meeting or attending one. It shows that you respect the time of others and that you are organized. If you are running late, call ahead or send a text to let the organizer know.
If you are chairing the meeting, start on time, even if people are still trickling in. It’s okay to wait a few minutes for stragglers, but don’t let people arrive 30 minutes late and still expect to participate.
Have Everything Prepared
When you enter a meeting room, be sure to have everything you need with you. This includes any handouts for presentations and any notebooks or laptops you need to take notes on. By having everything prepared, you’ll be able to minimize distractions and stay focused on the task at hand.
Turn Your Phone on Silent
One way to show that you’re engaged is to silence your phone. If you have it on vibrate, it’s still a distraction to you and those around you.
If you need to take a phone call, step out of the meeting room hire or rented office space where the meeting is held. The same goes for texting. It’s hard to pay attention to what’s being said when you’re more focused on what’s happening on your phone.
Pay Attention and Participate
In any meeting, make sure you are giving the person who is speaking your undivided attention. It is also essential to actively participate in the forum by asking questions and adding to the discussion when appropriate.
If you are not paying attention, you may miss important information or be unable to contribute to the discussion. The meeting may also not be productive, and you may miss out on the opportunity to have your voice heard.
Respect the Opinion of Others
You should listen to others without interruption and avoid monopolizing the conversation. If you disagree with someone, do so respectfully. Being aware of your body language and avoiding talking over others is also necessary.
Avoid personal attacks, and try to find common ground. Finally, be open to the possibility that you might be wrong. If you are not respectful, it will be challenging to achieve the goals of the meeting.
Follow Up After the Meeting
It’s essential to follow up after a meeting to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any decisions made during the meeting are adequately communicated. Distribute an email that summarizes the discussion, including the outcomes and any follow-up needed.
Meeting Room Etiquette Must Always Be Followed
It is vital to be mindful of meeting room etiquette in order to create a respectful and professional environment for all. From punctuality to following up after, these are the few key things to keep in mind to ensure you look and act the part. By being considerate of others and following basic protocols, you can help make meetings productive and successful.
Did you enjoy this article? Keep browsing the other articles on our blog!
