How Great Meeting Participants Show Up – The Do’s & Don’ts of Effective Participant Etiquette

The Do’s of Great Meeting Participants:

1. Come Prepared:

Do: Familiarize yourself with the agenda and any pre-meeting materials.
Do: Bring relevant notes, documents, or data to contribute to the discussion.

2. Be Punctual:

Do: Arrive on time, respecting the schedule and others’ commitments.
Do: Inform the organizer in advance if you anticipate being late.

3. Active Listening:

Do: Listen attentively to others without interrupting.
Do: Demonstrate understanding through nodding or other non-verbal cues.

4. Effective Communication:

Do: Express your thoughts clearly and concisely.
Do: Use positive and constructive language to convey your ideas.

5. Engage in the Discussion:

Do: Contribute to the conversation by sharing insights and relevant information.
Do: Pose thoughtful questions to encourage further exploration of topics.

6. Respect Others’ Perspectives:

Do: Acknowledge and respect diverse opinions and viewpoints.
Do: Foster an inclusive atmosphere that encourages everyone to speak up.

7. Stay on Topic:

Do: Focus on the meeting agenda and avoid unnecessary tangents.
Do: Bring discussions back to the main points if they veer off course.

8. Take Responsibility:

Do: Volunteer for tasks or responsibilities that align with your skills.
Do: Follow through on commitments made during the meeting.

9. Use Technology Mindfully:

Do: Silence or turn off electronic devices to minimize distractions.
Do: Use technology to share relevant information or contribute to the discussion.

10. Follow Up:

Do: Send a follow-up email summarizing key points and action items.
Do: Stay proactive in completing tasks assigned during the meeting.

The Don’ts of Great Meeting Participants:

1.    Don’t Arrive Unprepared:

Don’t: Attend a meeting without reviewing the agenda or necessary materials.
Don’t: Wing it – come with a clear understanding of the topics at hand.

2.    Don’t Interrupt Others:

Don’t: Speak over others or interrupt someone mid-sentence.
Don’t: Disregard the importance of active listening.

3.    Avoid Multitasking:

Don’t: Engage in unrelated tasks during the meeting.
Don’t: Allow distractions to hinder your focus on the discussion.

4.    Don’t Dominate the Conversation:

Don’t: Speak excessively or monopolize the discussion.
Don’t: Override others’ opportunities to contribute.

5.    Avoid Negativity:

Don’t: Criticize without offering constructive solutions.
Don’t: Bring personal grievances that are unrelated to the meeting agenda

6.    Don’t Undermine Others:

Don’t: Disregard or dismiss others’ contributions.
Don’t: Engage in behavior that undermines the collaborative spirit.

7.    Refrain from Side Conversations:

Don’t: Engage in private conversations that distract from the meeting.
Don’t: Allow side discussions to take precedence over the main agenda.

8.    Don’t Overcommit:

Don’t: Volunteer for tasks if you cannot realistically fulfill them.
Don’t: Make promises without the intention or ability to follow through.

9.    Avoid Late Submissions:

Don’t: Miss deadlines for post-meeting follow-up.
Don’t: Neglect your responsibilities in the aftermath of the meeting.

10. Don’t Disregard Technology Etiquette:

Don’t: Allow your devices to disrupt the meeting (e.g., loud notifications).
Don’t: Use technology for non-meeting-related activities.