5 THINGS NOT TO DO AT A BUSINESS MEETING

Meetings are an essential part of business life. Showing consideration and manners does help the meeting to be productive: For it to be productive, try to avoid these points given below:

Try not to arrive later than the person chairing the meeting

An executive should avoid arriving late to a meeting. Come to the meeting a little early. It gives you time to meet others briefly and to meet those who do not know you.

Do not hold private conversations

Holding private conversations and cross talking should be avoided. This is disrespectful to the chair. All questions should be addressed to the chair. Do not interrupt when the Chair is speaking.

Showing inattention shows your lack of interest

You need to give your full attention to the proceedings of the meeting and not show inattention. Doodling or exhibiting signs of boredom or irritation are considered bad manners.

Avoid violent disagreement or emotional outbursts

Likes of what we witnessed last week at our Parliament by the so-called peoples’ representatives was a clear example of the worst kind of behaviour any human can resort too. We can learn many lessons, and as we civilised people sit for meetings be conscious that anything can stem from small things, and have self-awareness to even control the slightest annoyance you may have with someone – for it might lead to a situation that you may regret later.

Avoid off colour jokes and flippant remarks. Always be culturally sensitive, and politically correct.

Be careful of questions that might embarrass others

Avoid off colour jokes and flippant remarks. Always be culturally sensitive, and politically correct. The recent comments made by Dolce & Gabbana partners on their launch campaign in China nearly lost their business. Do be mindful of what you say in an international forum or amongst other foreigners present.