Get your questions answered:
It you have a list of questions that you need answered, print them before the meeting and tick them off as they are answered.
Help keep the meeting focused.
If a meeting goes off topic, then say “I appreciate this topic; however…
- ….I don’t think we can resolve it in the meeting and let’s mark this as an action item or take this offline.
- …I suggest we add this to the control log for future discussion.
Listen for the unsaid
The number one thing to look out for are the unsaid thoughts or feelings.
- For example, did someone seem confused during the meeting, then reiterate what you heard and ask for confirmation. One way to do this: I heard X. Is that correct? (Notice: the usage of a closed question to ensure mutual understanding).
Take detailed notes:
If it is your meeting, take detailed notes and ask your teammates to do the same. Once the meeting is done, clean up the meeting minutes, summarize the key takeaways and email them to the attendees. Make sure to ask, “Do the meeting minutes match their understanding? If not, please send your updates.”
If it is not your meeting, write everything down — you can always send them to the meeting organizer and say “Here are my draft notes, I hope they are helpful.”
Lean in:
If you are on a video conference lean in. If you are in person, lean in. Your body language keeps you energized and focused. Remember: We owe it to one and other to give our full attention.
Also published on Medium.