The Mannerly Meeting

Meetings can provide an opportunity to shine in front of your superiors and your peers, but there has to be a strategic approach in the way you conduct them. One of the most important rules we try to live by at firstPRO is to only call meetings when they are necessary. Our philosophy has always been that whoever is calling the meeting needs something or isn’t happy. That includes your clients, so keep that in mind when they want to meet with you.

When you are the one attending the meeting, there are some important things to remember:
• Always arrive on time, but no more than five minutes before the meeting starts.
• Be well-dressed, and turn your cell phone off.
• Don’t bring food or drink into the meeting unless you know it is appropriate.
• Ask the facilitator where to sit, or be very conscious of any unspoken pecking order or seating arrangements.
• When speaking, address the facilitator.
• Look attentive and participate, and avoid holding your head like you are trying to stay awake.
• Do not look at your Blackberry under the table or read through papers unless they pertain directly to the discussion at hand.
• Do not exit early unless pre-arranged with the facilitator.

A meeting should always have an ultimate goal, whether it is walking away with some ideas to put in place, solving a problem, getting everyone on the same page or communicating sensitive or timely information. If you cannot come up with a goal, the odds are you don’t need the meeting. Otherwise, keep them efficient, brief, and of course, mannerly.

Business Travel Etiquette

An important part of doing business is conducting yourself in an appropriate manner, and traveling is no exception, whether it is business or personal.

With the holiday season upon us and passengers packed into airports and planes, delays are inevitable and tempers start flaring. It can be a challenge to stay patient and maintain your manners, but during these busy times it is crucial to remember that everyone is going to get to the same place at the same time. The best way to alleviate this stress is to take a deep breath, be prepared and keep an attitude of cooperation.

It is always polite to assist someone with luggage if necessary, or to move so that travelers can sit with companions. Once seated, share your space and arm rests, and try not to get up to use the restroom when your seat mate is fast asleep or just settled down with a tray of food.

If you are next to a super chatty traveler and you do not want to talk, it is not rude to simply say, “Please don’t take offense but I’ve been waiting all day to read this article.” And if you are the chatty traveler, be open to the subtle signs that someone wants to be left alone. If a meal is served and you are both eating, however, it is polite to participate in some light conversation.
Like it or not, travel has changed dramatically over the years, and today it is geared towards the masses.

Things will (and do) go wrong, so traveling with a realistic attitude is key. Many factors can control whether a flight is on time or has available seating, so be patient, be prepared and be polite. Everyone wants the same thing…to get from point A to point B in the most pleasant way possible. Traveling with good etiquette will only ensure a successful venture...in business, through the holidays, or any other time.