Swedes are used to participating in many meetings when we work, both physical and digital. But in order for these planned meetings to be as effective as possible, it is important that they are managed well and that the participants practice a good meeting discipline.
How you communicate orally and address others in writing is of big importance. This includes, for example, how to start an email or sms with an invitation to a meeting.
Tip!
It is always nice to add some polite phrases at the beginning and end, and preferably personal ones even if you are already familiar with each other. Remembering and replicating about the latest status of the person you are in contact with signals that you care and have ambitions to both continue and deepen the relationship.
Dressing for the job
How you dress can in some cases affect your success in the Swedish job market. The fact that you dress personally can definitely be positive, but showing respect for the environment and those you meet does also contribute to your success.
Tip!
What if you realize that you’ve shown up to a workplace or a digital meeting incorrectly dressed? Simply make a short comment about it. The first impression of you as a person may be how you dress, but you can easily save this impression by explaining or commenting on this without going too much in to detail. And if you are unsure of what might be appropriate workwear and if there are any dress codes at the workplace you are applying – just ask those who already work there about what applies! People mostly like to help.
Being on time
Business behavior linked to a meeting is first and foremost about always being on time. If you notice that you will be late due to for instance a traffic incident, then it is very important that you notify the person you are going to meet as soon as possible.
Avoid arriving at meetings at the last minute. Give yourself about 10 minutes before a meeting in order to prepare your thoughts and get yourself in to a calm mindset. This will also give you time to observe the environment, which can inspire conversation with the person you are going to meet.
Tip!
Your body language matters. The energy you radiate will affect how those you meet react to and treat you. Respect gives respect, regardless if you meet physically or on a digital platform.
Tip!
Before the meeting is about to start, ask some questions about the working place you have just entered. It is perceived as polite and committed.
Stay focused
Good meeting discipline is about a focused work environment, both at physical and digital meetings. It means that your focus should be on what the meeting is about. It is valuable to establish and use a meeting agenda. If there are several of you in the meeting, appoint a chairman who makes sure to distribute the word between those who participate.
As long as it is not planned, it is not okay for you to pick up and start typing on your computer or phone at meetings. If you still want to use a digital platform for a work purpose, which has to do with the meeting, let the other meeting participants know.
Good business behavior includes that you do not answer either incoming calls, messages or emails during meetings.
Tip!
Remember to turn off notifications and the sound on your computer and mobile, even the buzzing, when attending meetings.
When the meeting is about to end, it is time to agree on how and the next step in the dialogue should take place. It is just as important to keep time when it’s time to end a digital meeting as it is to start a meeting.
Tip!
Ask questions about how to proceed! By showing that you want continued contact, you appear to be both committed and serious.
Reflection questions
- What kind of behaviors do you appreciate or irritates you at job meetings?
- What do you think is important to keep in mind at physical and digital job meetings? Are there differences?
- In what way do you think it’s okay to be personal in relation to colleagues and customers?
