Looking to make a great impression as a new team member, or secure that promotion by impressing key decision makers? Raising your profile in meetings can be a great way to get yourself noticed, and demonstrate your capabilities and drive for success.
- Face time. It’s difficult to get noticed at meetings if you’re not in those meetings, so why not volunteer to represent your department or manager on a regular basis? Getting face time is a great opportunity to get yourself noticed for all the right reasons – especially if you do a fantastic job.
Take the time to check in with your manager or colleagues before the meeting to see if there are any issues, concerns or ideas they’d like raised or need clarification on. After the meeting, send a brief email outlining what was discussed, so everyone feels in the loop.
- Preparation. If you want to raise your profile in meetings you’ll need to bring your A-game, which means you’ll need to be prepared. Know what the meeting is about in advance – and if you don’t know, ask – and spend some time familiarising yourself with the subject matter, researching any potential gaps in your knowledge, and brainstorming concepts and solutions so you’ll have something to bring to the table.
Not only will preparation allow you to tackle the topic at hand head on, but sitting down with ideas and suggestions will show you’ve taken the time and initiative required to contribute value.
- Play to your strengths. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial in all aspects of your work, and meetings are no exception. If creativity is your strength, offer some outside of the box ideas that might not have been considered. If research is your jam, provide solid examination on what competitors or industry leaders are doing, and how those concepts could apply to your company.
If budget projections aren’t your area of expertise, ask for help from a colleague who loves to crunch numbers, rather than trying to muddle through on your own. Accepting and acknowledging your limitations can actually be turned into a strength when you delegate and seek expertise from more qualified colleagues. It can show you’re a team player who isn’t afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.
- Ask and listen. Meetings are about finding solutions, so you don’t need to have all the answers before you sit down. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification, and be an active listener when other people are contributing ideas. This will demonstrate your resolve to be a productive team member.
- Consistency. If you want to raise your profile you’ll need to be consistent, which means your meeting game should be strong each and every time you’re invited to attend. Being full of ideas one week and disengaged the next could unintentionally convey a message of unreliability. Always be prepared, always turn up on time, and always contribute something valuable to the discussion.
Always be prepared, always turn up on time, and always contribute something valuable to the discussion.
