You are an outstanding performer as judged by all who know you. The work you do as an individual draws on many years of experience and a formidable education. Your participation in meetings, however, is viewed by some individuals to be cause for concern. Could it be that your excellent individual work is undercut by inadvertent behavior in meetings? In my work as an executive coach, I frequently find the above situation to be all too common. Top performers are negatively impacted by ineffective meeting behavior, which generally falls into two categories:

1. Individuals who dominate meetings by taking too long to express their point of view or who undermine the ability of others to voice a different opinion. Although the intention of these individuals is to be helpful, his or her behavior is often offensive to colleagues and irritating to senior management.

   Individuals who don't leave space for peers to contribute in meetings soon become persona non grata. He or she will be perceived a primarily concerned with achieving their own agenda. They will be cut off from information and help that colleagues could easily provide. This type of behavior has career limiting consequences.

   Senior managers are highly sensitive to time and want a bottom line approach to communications. Individuals who can't provide the Cliff's Notes version when communicating with these individuals soon fall into disfavor.

2. At the opposite end of the spectrum from the dominating meeting attendee are the reticent individuals. This person is quiet and reflective and hesitates to speak out in meetings. He or she may be the most intelligent person in the room, but no one will ever know. Unless the team leader calls on this person directly, his or her contribution will remain dormant. Like the dominating communicator, reticent behavior can have serious consequences for one's career.

If you suspect that you fall into one of the above communication styles, take steps to address the issue before irreparable harm is done to your career. You can begin by using my Critical Meetings Worksheet. Go to the Free Coaching Tools section of my website to download the worksheet. The secret to addressing each of these styles is preparation. Never go to an important meeting without identifying how you will contribute and the best way to communicate your point of view. The Critical Meetings Worksheet will help you address:

• Key areas where you can add value to the meeting

• Identifying a personal vulnerability or negative habit to avoid

• Pet peeve of meeting leader to avoid

• Key point to make in the meeting

• Evidence to support your point of view

With so much business conducted in meetings today, you owe it to yourself to be at your best. Use the Critical Meetings Worksheet before you next meeting and watch the difference it will make for you and your career.

The following resources from M. J. Campbell Associates are recommended for your professional development:

• Recommended Reading:

  "The Leader as a Communicator: Five Most Frequently Asked Questions" - Newsletter Archives under Communications Coaching

• Recommended Workshop/Intervention:

  Team Building

• Recommended Speech:

  "Strategies for Managing Your Career in Perilous Times"

M. J. Campbell Associates helps organizations develop leaders through coaching, team-building, conflict management and communications consulting. Click here to learn about our executive coaching services. Contact us or at 617-969-4159. for more information.