What do people say about you when you leave the room?
I often leave a meeting thinking “How did it go?” “What are they saying about me?” “How could I have done this or that better etc”
The reality is once a meeting is done. It's done. You only get one shot at making a first impression and delivering value in a credible way. So it's best to do all you can to leave a positive one. I've put a few thoughts together about how you can leave the best impression possible. Although; I welcome your own thoughts in the comments.
There is often a debate around the topic of talking about others when they are not in the room. Should we or shouldn’t we? We are inherently social beings (and often keen gossipers) I’m sure you have experienced it yourself on multiple occasions. It happens; it’s part of the professional work environment.
Hopefully we all do our best at being professional and polite in a meeting. My personal goal is to make others feel good about being in my company and meeting shared objectives.
Here are 10 things to think about before your next meeting:
- Make sure your shoes are clean and your hair is cut and your clothes fit – you will be judged by your looks
- Smile; really smile like when you’re happy to see your friends. The more genuine the more comfortable you will make others feel
- Shake hands at the right level of intensity. A wet fish or overly tight grip are very off putting experiences.
- Ask questions and listen; really listen. I think it’s also good to take notes.
- Know what you are talking about so you come across as an expert in your field. Being seen as a trusted advisor is a sure way of gaining respect
- Measure your energy with those in the room. Observing others body language – things like watching the breathing of others is a good way to do this. Although be prepared to raise the energy levels if excitement is required to gain attention when it is waning.
- Help everyone feel relaxed by offering up the opportunity to take a break from the main topic of discussion. I often find a tea and toilet break go down well at the right time of the day.
- Set out clear actions for all parties to follow up. If you want to maintain a lasting impression. Making sure you’re the first to follow up on all your actions.
- Wrap up the meeting in good time. Be mindful of the time and check that they are ok with the progress with the meeting
- Be humble if you do not know the answer to something. Explain this and get back to them. Most people can smell BS. The last thing you want people to be saying about you after you have left the room is that you’re a “Bulls%$tter”
About the Author
James Ski works for Linkedin and advises B2B SaaS companies on recruitment, employer branding and how to achieve scalable, predictable sales growth. Please follow him on Linkedin or on Twitter @jamesas .
‘New Body Language Techniques’ developed post pandemic. Influencing self & others, Increasing Sales, Better Boardroom Behaviours, 10th in the world of Body Language globalgurus.org,
8 年Hey this is a great summary of what is required. Thanks.
Writing and Editing | Word Wrangler and Grammar Grappler
8 年I like the idea of taking a break if the agenda/time make it possible. Often, people need a break to digest what's been said and to clear their heads. They can come back with ideas they might not have been able to contribute otherwise. Great post, James.
Senior National Account Mgr | Client Delivery Manager | Service + Solutions Specialist | Customer Success
8 年good post. being sincere is also a key in the trust recipe; people will generally spot someone who is not and by consequence will have a steeper climb to the coveted position of trusted advisor. cheers!
Retired PiXL Voting Members’ Group at PiXL
8 年The key point here is humility! As with Ernest Hemingway: I'm not asking you to think less of yourself; just think of yourself less!! JBD