Here are seven suggestions for how to make a memorable impression – for all the right reasons:
1. Show up. It may sound obvious, but women often skip meetings because they think their time is better spent working at their desks. They're called meetings, not workings. Meetings allow you to be seen, to build relationships, get information, give information and a host of other career-promoting benefits. But you've got to show up!
2. When possible, sit next to the most powerful person in the room.His or her power will "spill over" to you. If there aren't enough chairs at a conference table for everyone in attendance, pull one up to the table, rather than sit on the periphery as many women do. It's important that you be at the table.
3. Participate early and often. Early speakers are perceived as more self-confident than those who wait til the meeting is almost over. Aim to be among the first two or three people to speak, then speak every 7 – 10 minutes in longer meetings. Keep in mind you don't always have to give your opinion. Speaking includes affirming what someone else has said, asking a question, providing clarifying information, or helping to move the meeting along by suggesting the group get back to the agenda.
4. Prepare for every meeting. Either get an agenda in advance or ask the key topics that will be covered, then have data or information in hand that is pertinent to the discussion. Few people do this but it will make you look like a winner.
5. Communicate in headlines. Short sounds confident. Be certain that your messages are crisp, clear and concise. The first thing out of your mouth should be what you want others to remember, followed by two to three pieces of supporting information or data. Then add a tagline such as, "What do others think about this?" to make sure your ideas are fully explored.
6. Choose a role to play. Staying tuned in at meetings can be a challenge when the table talk doesn't align with your role or interests, but it is critical that you do so. People notice when attendees "check out." Typical roles include facilitator, scribe, timekeeper, and information synthesizer.
7. At the end of the meeting, clarify key take-aways or next steps. Not only will you be clear about youhave to do next, you will be seen as someone who was tuned in enough to be able to summarize what's been said – a real asset to any organisation.
Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D.
