**Avoid Being These 13 Meeting Personality Types**

Mastering the Art of Meeting Etiquette: 13 Pitfalls to Avoid

Meetings can be a necessary evil in the workplace, but it's how you conduct yourself during these gatherings that sets you apart from your colleagues. As an employee, you may not have control over the meeting's agenda or format, but you do have the power to influence how you participate and benefit from the discussion.

Here are 13 common mistakes to avoid when attending meetings:

1. The No-Show: Failing to attend meetings or notifying the organizer at the last minute can give the impression that you're not invested in the team's success.
2. The Tangent Talker: Steer clear of bringing up unrelated topics that derail the conversation. Instead, jot down your ideas and follow up with the relevant parties outside the meeting.
3. The Silent Observer: Not contributing to the discussion can make you appear disengaged or unprepared. Plan ahead to make strategic comments or ask insightful questions.
4. The Yes-Man: Avoid agreeing with everything just to curry favor. Learn to respectfully disagree and offer alternative solutions.
5. The Daydreamer: Assign yourself a role, like taking meeting minutes, to stay focused and engaged.
6. The Phone Addict: Keep your phone out of sight to avoid distractions and show respect for the meeting attendees.
7. The Tardy Arrival: Punctuality is key. Arriving late disrupts the flow and shows disregard for others' time.
8. The Snacker: Refrain from munching on food during meetings, and stick to beverages like coffee or water.
9. The Long-Winded Monologuist: Prepare your thoughts in advance to deliver concise and clear updates.
10. The Self-Centered Speaker: Be mindful of the relevance of your concerns to the group and avoid dominating the conversation.
11. The Whisperer: Avoid side conversations and instead, address the group as a whole.
12. The Idea Crusher: Practice constructive feedback and avoid dismissing others' suggestions outright.
13. The Wishy-Washy Communicator: Speak with confidence and authority, avoiding phrases like "I think" or "maybe."

To take your meeting participation to the next level, remember to:

• Prepare thoroughly by reviewing the agenda and preparing questions
• Bring necessary materials, like a pen and paper
• Arrive early to network and get settled
• Focus on moving the discussion forward with clear action items and assigned responsibilities

By avoiding these common pitfalls and adopting a proactive approach, you'll become a valuable contributor to your team's meetings and a master of meeting etiquette.