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How to Pay Attention in Meetings


How to Pay Attention in Meetings
  • AuthorJessica Bartow
  • DateMarch 29, 2019
  • MediumNewsletter Article
How do you make the most of meetings, pay attention and make sure you stay engaged. AgCareers.com has some tips to help you be consistent.

 

Meetings. We all have them. Some of us may dread them, some may love the opportunity to share and see our fellow coworkers. Regardless of how we may feel, meetings are likely a part of your job whether they are in person, over the phone, or virtually with a webcam. So, how do we make the most of these meetings? How do we consistently pay attention to remain engaged? It starts by being intentional.

To begin, we must set ourselves up for success. And if you’re anything like me, this means eating beforehand. As much as I like to think that I do not get “hangry,” without food…it happens. This can also prevent you from getting distracted during the meeting if it were to run late or into your lunchtime.

Next, put your phone on silent. We are trying to limit our distractions! Now with today’s day and age, you may be communicating with your coworkers or boss through your phone so not looking at it may not be an option. But, be present where you are and engage in the topic at hand. What does it look like to be engaged? The question we’re all trying to answer.

Once you arrive at the meeting, take note of the seats available and choose one that will be the best for you specifically. If you know that you will get distracted by looking out of nearby door/window, try to stay away from that area. Personally, I have a hard time staying focused if I can’t see the person talking so I try to sit near the front of the room. Odd, but true. On the other hand, I know a lot of people who tend to feel anxious if they are sitting in the front of the room. If this sounds like you, don’t do it! Being anxious will be a distraction in itself! The point of this, you know yourself better than I do. Sit in a place that is best for you, somewhere where you will be the least distracted and most likely to pay attention.

During the meeting, try to take notes on information that you learned or need to follow-up on. Not only will this help you pay attention, but it will help you remember and reference the content from the meeting later. To make it more fun, take a different colored pen or highlighter to keep your thoughts organized as you jot them down on the paper.

Finally, enjoy the time with your coworkers! Take this opportunity to learn from them. You never know what valuable information they may share.

 

Frustrated with your office’s meetings? Check out this AgCareers.com newsletter article.

 

 

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