So you have to attend your first proper internal team meeting at your new job. There’s nothing difficult about meetings, is there? You just have to sit there while other people talk.

Wrong! How you behave in a meeting is really important. Your boss and colleagues will judge you by the way you interact and behave. You need to make a good impression and be actively engaged. Your participation will show your willingness to learn. You will add value to the organisation, as well as see what others are doing. Meetings can help – or hurt – your career.

Meetings rely on teamwork and everyone needs to work together to make them a success.

Handy hints on making meetings work

Be on time for the meeting. Actually, be 5 minutes early. Bring a printed copy of the agenda with you if it was sent to you. You might need to take notes if you’re given something to do after the meeting so take a pen and paper too.

Make sure that your phone is off or on silent, and don’t look at it during the meeting. This might be difficult for you to do but it is very important as it shows that you are paying attention and fully present at the meeting.

Don’t like talking at meetings? You’re going to need to at some point. Often quiet people can add well thought-out points. This is where your pen and paper can come in handy – jot down a note or two about the point you want to make before talking so that you stay on point… Then, take a deep breath, find the courage – and contribute! Don’t be shy about asking questions, unless, they are questions that you should know the answer to, or do not relate to the matter at hand.

Like talking a lot? Beware of dominating the conversation and of going off the point. Only talk about things that add value to that specific meeting. Limit yourself to one minute and then move the conversation back to the group. Stick to the agenda items. Don’t interrupt others.

Most importantly, listen carefully to what others are saying and try and understand their point of view. If you disagree with something, say so in a polite way. Don’t get angry – it won’t help the situation – and don’t take things personally.

If you’re bored, try not to show it! Sit upright and be attentive. Don’t chat to your friend sitting next to you. Ask questions and stay involved. Meetings can be a great way to learn more about your job, your organisation and also the roles of others in your team.

Toilet breaks? Make sure you go to the bathroom before the meeting. If the meeting goes on for a long time and the need is urgent, wait for a short break between speakers and then excuse yourself.

If you need to leave early, make sure you let your boss or the person running the meeting know before the meeting starts and excuse yourself politely when it’s time to leave.

When the meeting closes remember to take everything you brought with you and to clean up your space before leaving the room.

After the meeting, read through your notes and make a list of the things that you specifically need to do. Follow up on any tasks that you’ve been given to do as soon as you can. This shows that you’ve been attentive, are conscientious and trustworthy and that you are a reliable member of the team.

Get involved and you will realise just how productive meetings can be.

So you have to attend your first proper internal team meeting at your new job. There’s nothing difficult about meetings, is there? You just have to sit there while other people talk.

Wrong! How you behave in a meeting is really important. Your boss and colleagues will judge you by the way you interact and behave. You need to make a good impression and be actively engaged. Your participation will show your willingness to learn. You will add value to the organisation, as well as see what others are doing. Meetings can help – or hurt – your career.

Meetings rely on teamwork and everyone needs to work together to make them a success.

Tell us: have you been in meetings? What do you love.. and what do you hate?!/strong>