5 Things You Should Never Do In A Business Meeting
When you go into a business meeting, there are certain guidelines that you can follow to ensure that the meeting goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. If you have your staff members read this article before the meeting, it can help you avoid some common mistakes so that the meeting goes well.
Don’t interrupt
1. Don’t interrupt others during a business meeting. This will not only irritate them, but it can also make it difficult for them to continue talking.
2. Avoid speaking in a monotone voice. When you are listening to others, it is important to show that you are interested in what they are saying. If you sound bored or uninterested, it will likely reflect in how you conduct yourself in the meeting.
3. Don’t try to monopolize the conversation. It is important to allow others their own space and time to speak. If you monopolize the conversation, others may feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas with you.
Don’t use jargon
When you’re in a business meeting, it’s important to be able to communicate with your colleagues effectively. However, using jargon can be confusing and frustrating for those who don’t understand it.
Instead of using complicated words, try to use plain English when speaking in a business meeting. This will not only make it easier for your colleagues to understand you, but it will also make the conversation more informal.
Another thing you should never do in a business meeting is take credit for ideas that were actually proposed by someone else. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. If you have an idea that you want to share, be sure to wait until the end of the meeting to propose it.
Don’t be a contrarian
One of the biggest mistakes that people make in business meetings is being a contrarian. This means that you always want to go against the majority opinion. Instead, it’s important to join the majority and follow their lead.
Being a contrarian can actually cause more problems than it solves. It can lead to conflict and confusion, as well as negative emotions. In fact, research has shown that being a contrarian often leads to not making any progress at all.
Instead of being a contrarian, it’s better to listen carefully to what the other people in the meeting are saying and try to find common ground. This will help you build trust and cooperation with your colleagues.
Don’t dominate the conversation
One of the most important things you can do in a business meeting is to listen carefully and not dominate the conversation. This will help to ensure that everyone has a chance to share their ideas and feedback.
It’s also important to avoid getting aggressive or defensive when others are speaking. This will only make the situation worse and you might even lose respect from your colleagues. Instead, try to remain calm and reactive to what they are saying.
Finally, make sure that you don’t take any unnecessary notes during the meeting. This will only distract you from the conversation and could lead to misunderstandings later on. Stick to brief notes if necessary, and make sure that you keep track of the discussion as it progresses.
Don’t make assumptions
When you’re in a business meeting, it’s important to be aware of the other people present. You should never make assumptions about what they’re thinking or what they want.
By listening carefully and taking everything that’s said into account, you’ll be able to build a better relationship with the people you work with. This will help to improve your ability to work together as a team and achieve common goals.
