How to Own Every Meeting at Work Like a Boss
If you’re new to the working world – or new to meetings in general – I’m here to help you own every meeting at work like a boss. Most don’t know there are three components; and two of them are before and after.
Pre-Meeting Prep
Before attending, you must take the time to prepare for it. Get in the habit of setting aside 15 minutes to review materials and agenda items.
Review any content related to the meeting, whether it’s a presentation or email string. Make sure you haven’t missed any emails on the topic.
No documentation attached? Make sure you reach out to the meeting organizer to ask the intent so you are ready to answer any questions if asked to.
During the Meeting
During the meeting it’s important to stay actively engaged the whole time. Don’t speak up for the sake of wanting others to hear you, but do ask clarifying questions. As a senior project manager, I’ve learned often times many people have the same question as others. You’ll do everyone a favor by asking clarifying questions.
If you feel like a stakeholder is missing, call out the risk. Additionally, if you notice an item is missing related to the topic, be sure to raise that as well. By the end of the meeting, if someone else does not do so, make sure you can summarize the content and what the take away’s are. Make sure take away’s are each assigned to one owner.
Just remember, if you were invited, you have a purpose in being there. If you feel otherwise, have a private conversation with the organizer or your boss afterwards.
Post Meeting
Afterwards, review your notes to prioritize any take away’s. If you need clarification on anything, reach out 1:1 to the appropriate contact. Have a take away? Start scheduling time to work on it so you can achieve it by the deadline. If it is your task to setup any follow up meetings, schedule them right away.
Summary
Now – go on and own every meeting you attend! You’re well equipped to do so. Do you have other tips or tricks that work well for you? Share your thoughts with me in the comments or on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter! Follow Boss Gal while you’re at it. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive everything Boss Gal right to your email!