Business meetings can be functional or frustrating, catalysts or
catastrophes, inspirational or insipid. But it’s not always random fate
that decides which kind you’ll be getting. You can help influence the
tone and course of any meeting you attend by honing your meeting
etiquette.

Etiquette, you say? For a meeting? But of course. In any gathering
of people, a focus on good manners ensures that everyone is comfortable
and that interactions go smoothly. That can enhance effectiveness and
productivity during any collaborative process.

Whether you’re an attendee or an organizer, brushing up on your manners is just smart business. Here are five points to ponder.

1. Respect people’s time.

• If you’re the organizer, try not to schedule meetings early in the morning or right before quitting time.
• Keep meetings as short as possible and stick to start and end times. A timer can help keep things on track.
• Show up on time, whether you’re an attendee or the organizer. Better yet, get there 5 minutes early.

2. Provide information and support.

• Let attendees know exactly what will be discussed by circulating an
  agenda ahead of time. Include on the agenda not just topics to be
  covered, but goals and objectives.
• If you have supporting documents or PowerPoints, send them out
  early as well; you want to run a meeting, not a group reading session.
• If you’re attending a meeting, be prepared. Read or research necessary materials before showing up.

3. Observe common courtesy.

• If you’re running the meeting, act as a moderator and field
  comments and questions in turn. Or ask people to jot down their
  thoughts and save the Q & A for the end of the meeting.
• If you’re an attendee, don’t railroad others as they’re speaking;
  wait your turn. Never interrupt. If necessary, resort to the
  kindergarten tactic of raising your hand for recognition.
• Heated discussion is okay, but yelling and insults are not. Ever.

4. Pay attention.

• Turn off your phone. Don’t text, check e-mail, or play solitaire.
• Don’t fidget, tap your pen, or do anything that could distract others.
• Participate. Ask questions and give feedback when appropriate.

5. Say thanks.