5 Ways to Earn Respect and Get Noticed in a Meeting

 

1.  Take Copious Notes

Most people will bring a pen and paper (or their iPad or laptop) to a meeting, but very few use these tools to take copious notes.   They hear what is being said, but aren’t actively listening  or taking notes  on what it actually means.When you are in a meeting, write down the key points that each participant makes.  

2.  Respect Key Contributors

Many times those who contribute in the most significant ways in a meeting are not recognized or respected enough because they don’t have an important title, tenure or influence.  Because you have identified the various personalities in the room and your copious note taking has given you the insight to acknowledge each one’s contributions – you can begin to respect the key contributors.

3.  Enable Unseen Talent

Too many times the loafers and leeches get in the way of a productive meeting.   They either don’t act or don’t add any real value.  When you detect that the meeting is going nowhere, enable the talent of others in the room who have yet to be heard.   Don’t allow the loafers and leeches to neutralize the real talent in the room.    Create balance by enabling others.

4.  Express the Importance of Teamwork

Too many times, people want all of the glory in a meeting.    They are recognition addicts.  Instead, be the lifter in the room.   Express the importance of collaboration.

Neutralize those who want to be the stars and hold them accountable to play a more inclusive role.  Take the “meeting playbook” (you have assembled through your copious note taking) and recommend what you believe is the optimal team to execute and accomplish the mandatory goals of the meeting.

5.  Be Accountable

How many times have you been in a meeting and someone says to you, “That’s a great idea you should do something with it.”  What usually happens?  Nothing!    Create the action plan.  Be a leader.   Manage the process.  Hold yourself accountable.    Only you know when you believe your “hands-on attention” will create impact and make the biggest difference.  

SOURCE:forbes.com