prepared notes give powerful impression of more work done than actual

I filled in a spreadsheet right after it was given to me regarding what it would take to deliver on some customer requirements. During a later team call I gave my brief analysis based on the spreadsheet. I also asked several questions to give me the understanding I needed to fulfill my duties. After the call my boss and two other senior people reached out to tell me what a great job I did. The funny thing is I probably only spent 30 minutes preparing the spreadsheet for the call. Yet my results were clearly perceived as an outsized contribution to the team.

Do you really need to attend that meeting?

I received an invite to a meeting that was completely unexpected and unfamiliar. So I called and asked the organizer. She told me a different person was the intended invitee. No meeting necessary for me. Time and energy saved! The default in corporate life is to accept and attend meetings. You should always ask whether you need to attend a meeting, even your own.

take notes, engage brain

When sitting through a meeting or presentation, write down the key takeaway(s). Looking for this will engage your brain, helping you process and retain more of what you’re hearing. This works for students and professionals alike.

5 min. prep for 30 min. return

I had a one-on-one scheduled with someone up the chain of command in my organization and spent five minutes in advance preparing three or four questions. My questions became an immediate lifeline that kept the conversation flowing in a natural and meaningful way. The VIP was impressed with my preparation and the meeting easily went through the allotted time. My five minutes of preparation covered a 30 minute meeting and enhanced my professional brand.