Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/how-to-participate-in-a-meeting/5010879/
You've probably read lots of articles in the popular press about running meetings. About how to develop tight agendas. About how to stick to the point and keep the discussion on track. About how to deal with people who monopolize. Yet, you probably haven't read very much about participating in meetings. As a participant, for instance, how can you help guide discussion toward a positive outcome? Or as a participant, how can you help your colleagues stick to the point or deal with people who monopolize?Use these suggestions to become a more effective participant at your next meeting:
_ Ask for an agenda ahead of time. Whether an agenda is routinely prepared ahead of time or not, ask for one. If an agenda isn't normally prepared, your request may help prompt pre-meeting agendas in the future.
_ Understand the meeting's purpose. It's not enough to have an agenda, of course. Each agenda item - and the meeting as a whole - should have a specific purpose. Be sure you understand the objective of the discussion - brainstorming, work review, decision making, exchange of information, or whatever - beforehand.
_ Decide how you can ...