You were invited to the meeting!

Yes, you were invited to a meeting. And now?

As far as I know, this reality – the one I am going to descri

be – is not the same all over the world, as I have seen much greater effectiveness in some countries than in others.

And now? You may ask, as that is a normal doubt!

Sometimes, when I am invited for a meeting, I have a lot of questions – and it was not supposed to!

Some of those questions that arise to my mind are: Why this meeting? What is the purpose? Who will produce the agenda? Will produce? Why, is it not yet done? Who will lead the meeting?Why so many people? Do most people know what they will be doing there and what might be requested? I do not know, so I am worried! What shall I say? How shall I show my ideas (and about what?)? What will be my role? Who will take notes to do the minutes? And – in the end – will anything happen, any call-to-action?

This is craziness but not so uncommon!

Meetings do not need to be a waist of time. They should lead to action!

It is really important to know that the way you communicate can make or break your professional image and the image of the company you represent. It directly influences how others view your work and performance. Unfortunately, being diplomatic, tactful and credible doesn’t always come naturally to people, and meetings are so tricky!

This is applicable whether you are the meeting organizer, the leader, the facilitator, the note taker, the graphic recorder, the time keeper, one of the presenters or one the other participants with no additional role. Communication is key for any kind of human interaction! Communication is key for productivity!

I must tell you that for more than 35 years I have seen and participated in meetings where all the mistakes were present. Along the last 5 years, doing communication trainings, including specific trainings related to meetings, some incredible situations have been reported to me!

Now you know! And now? What are you going to do about it?

See you!

Daniel Lança Perdigão, Strategist & Visual Thinker, UpSideUp.pt