Meetings are an important "arena" for you to affirm your ability and make an impression on your superiors. However, if you are not well prepared or have unprofessional behavior, you can miss this opportunity to shine. Don't worry, the following article will share 9 golden tips to help you score points and be highly appreciated by your boss in meetings.
Research the content and objectives of the meeting in advance
Before each meeting, never go unprepared, but instead research the schedule, content, and key objectives that need to be achieved. In this way, you can prepare relevant questions, ideas, or supporting information to participate meaningfully.
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, people who have a habit of attending meetings without preparing are rated as lacking in ability and not very dedicated to their work. Their ability rating is 28% lower than that of their well-prepared colleagues.
Arrive early to make a professional impression
Whether it's an important meeting or just a small department meeting, always arrive at least 5 minutes before the start time. This gives you the opportunity to have a friendly conversation, impress your boss with your professionalism, discipline, and seriousness about your work.
According to psychologists, we only have about 7 seconds to make a first impression on someone. Therefore, simple gestures like arriving early, dressing neatly, and being fully prepared will help you create a good impression with your boss from the first meeting.
Demonstrate influence by asking interesting questions
One of the most effective ways to score points in a meeting is to be willing to ask good questions, showing your interest and influence on the issue being discussed. However, don't ask for the sake of asking, but make sure your questions are constructive and contribute value.
For example, you can ask about how to deal with potential risks, assess the feasibility of solution options, or provide constructive feedback. This will help your superiors appreciate your analytical ability, strategic thinking, and active participation.
Avoid complaining and criticizing publicly
A common mistake is to complain or criticize the company's problems or policies in a meeting. This is easy to make your boss feel annoyed and underestimate your teamwork ability, constructive attitude, and team spirit.
Instead of complaining, express yourself by making constructive criticisms, accompanied by solutions and suggestions for improvement. At the same time, discuss sensitive issues in a friendly manner and not publicly in front of many people.
According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, up to 80% of managers say that complaining can easily make them overlook an employee's other achievements and efforts.
Become a good listener
In addition to asking questions and contributing ideas, listening skills are also important for you to understand the problem and absorb information. A good listener is considered to be highly collaborative, receptive to feedback, and willing to learn from others.
To improve this skill, focus on listening instead of having the answer ready in your head and interrupting others. Nodding, taking notes, and keeping an interested tone when someone else is talking will help you appear more respectful and professional to your boss.
Know how to admit mistakes and take responsibility
Don't try to deny it when you make a mistake at work or your contribution is not appropriate. Instead, acknowledge the mistake honestly, don't avoid it, and commit to learning from it and doing better. This shows that you are mature, responsible, and willing to learn to improve.
According to the IBM Leadership Academy, people who admit their mistakes honestly are 92% more likely to be respected and trusted by their superiors than those who deny or blame others.
Demonstrate clear proposal and summary skills
When the meeting comes to the time to conclude and propose a response, this is the ideal time for you to shine and score points with your superiors. Summarize the key points, outstanding issues, and propose a clear and specific solution.
The ability to synthesize and make effective decisions demonstrates your systematic thinking, ability to analyze and assess the situation, and at the same time shows a constructive and optimistic spirit. These qualities will help you make a strong impression on your boss.
Actively participate and show motivation to work
People who attend meetings passively, do not contribute ideas or ask questions, often find it difficult to make a good impression on their superiors. To overcome this, you need to show a positive, energetic and enthusiastic role in the meeting.
This can be demonstrated by volunteering to take on new tasks and responsibilities; offering many suggestions or solutions; and demonstrating high determination and commitment to achieving goals. This shows that you are a dynamic person, have good work motivation, and will be a reliable colleague. According to a survey of employees at Kimberly-Clark, people who have a positive attitude and are passionate about their work are 40% more Here's the continuation of the text:
...likely to be promoted to higher management positions compared to the rest of the group.
Maintain a positive attitude and actions after the meeting
Finally, after the meeting is over, don't make the mistake of showing a negative attitude, complaining, or provoking the faults of others. By doing this, you can ruin all the effort and results you've built up throughout the meeting.
Instead, maintain a positive attitude and show respect even if you have different opinions. You can also take the time to discuss outstanding issues with your boss privately, giving your personal opinion but with reason and a humble attitude.
Research by Harvard Business School has shown that those who maintain a respectful attitude towards their superiors after a meeting are 39% more likely to receive agreement and have opportunities for advancement compared to those who react negatively.
In conclusion, to score points with your boss in meetings, you need to put effort into developing many skills such as:
Being well-prepared
Actively participating
Asking good questions and providing constructive feedback
Taking responsibility and admitting mistakes
Knowing how to summarize and make sound decisions
Maintaining a positive and professional attitude throughout
Refining these skills will not only make your boss appreciate you more, but it will also help you elevate your position, influence, and prospects for advancement in the company.
Tomuz Academy
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