Page 112 - July 2020 Board Meeting Agenda_Neat

11. Be mindful of different personalities. Not everyone thrives in meeting environments. There
are the outgoing, gregarious individuals that love open discussions and presenting, versus
those perhaps more meditative in thought, precise and reserved. The latter can end up
switching off in meetings, or feeling uncomfortable having their opinions raised. In these
scenarios, it’s good to consider how much pre-work can be expected in a business meeting.
This is likely to be where the more introverted colleague can shine.

12. Participants should take turns talking and listen to their colleagues. Listening to what others
say is crucial to any meeting situation. However, not only that, showing that you listen can
make a difference too. Adjust your body language to show enthusiasm, even if you are
participating via video chat. Research shows that being a good listener can even make you a
better leader, as indicated by The New York Times (March 15, 2018)

13. Avoid side conversations – It is simply impolite and rude to hold a side conversation while
colleagues are trying to conduct a meeting.

14. Trying to multitask in a business meeting tells your colleagues that they are not as important
as whatever you are doing and it’s contagious. Focus, listen attentively.

15. Do not dominate discussions. As with interruptions, dominating the business meeting is not
a welcome approach unless you are the meeting leader and it serves a specific purpose.

16. Do not deviate/digress from key points on the agenda. If you stray off topic from time to
time, try to lead the conversation back to the main purpose. If the topic of conversation
drifts for too long, everyone should be responsible for raising a hand, flagging it down, and
bringing the topic back to the centre.

17. Please accept board decisions graciously, even if your view has been overruled.

18. Don’t underrate the contribution you can make – or the contribution you should make
during meetings. Do attempt to make an active contribution to debates and discussions.

19. Don’t assume knowledge and be willing to answer any questions meeting participants ask,
even if they appear naïve.

20. Please respect all confidences afforded to you in your role and don’t discuss confidential
information outside the boardroom.

21. Participants should act in a way that is fair and unbiased. Anger, rudeness, ridicule, obscene
or profane language, impatience and lack of respect for others and personal attacks are not