Pay Attention. You already know that interacting with
your own personal technology (cell phone or computer/tablet) is never a good
idea at a meeting, but they aren’t the only distractors. It’s easy to float off
into our own thoughts if we aren’t actively engaged in what’s going on around
us. To contribute and you must be engaged in the meeting and what is being
discussed. It’s essential to your success as a contributor.
Don’t underestimate
the value of your ideas. How many times have you been on a project or had
an idea during a meeting you were in, but you were afraid to voice it? Then
someone else did and the idea was a hit. Hit or miss, remember that you have
been included in the meeting for a reason. Your skills, knowledge and role are
valued. Your ideas are a part of your success already. Once you have the
confidence to share your thoughts, you will want to consider speaking up early
in the meeting, before someone else shares the same idea. Also, the sooner you
contribute, the better the impression you will make and the quicker you can
eliminate your lingering self-doubt.
Ask questions. One
way to contribute in a meeting and not have the focus be on you or your answers
is to ask questions. Thoughtful and pertinent questions are another way to
showcase your ability to think “around the corner”, demonstrate your abilities
to consider the future and eliminate roadblocks. Showing that you are
interested and engaged is the best posture for success. As you share more, you
will notice that people will begin to engage you and seek out your opinions.
