It will be a waste of time again. But I can't do anything about it, I have to go. This is the way we often think about meetings. Sometimes we not only consider meetings annoying, but really hate them because our participation is completely unnecessary. However, we can't avoid them. What can we do?
According to Inc.com, we have two options. The first is to learn to run fast and productive meetings, which is not always possible. Some meetings are really totally useless and you should not attend them. Then, there is the second option - learn to say no politely and insist on it. Let's look at typical situations when you should excuse yourself from attending without feeling guilty or offending anyone.
1. You are not prepared
This does not mean you are lazy, you just didn't have enough time to prepare. It's appropriate to ask for a postponement of the meeting until you collect more information.
2. Important people aren't coming
If crucial participants who should be making decisions excuse themselves from attending, your attendance is also unnecessary. Excuse yourself too. At the same time, stress that you are looking forward to the debate but would like to wait until all decision makers come.
3. You have nothing to contribute
We are often invited to meetings focused on issues we are unable to comment on because they are out of our industry or area of interest. In this case, refuse by saying that you don't think you have anything to contribute. You could recommend someone more suitable.
4. The date or time doesn't suit you
The meeting may be held at a time when you are the busiest and even though you have something to contribute, you have other priorities. This is also a relevant reason to refuse to participate. You may, however, promise to write down several key points that you would like to mention and pass the list to the meeting's manager.
5. Most of the program has nothing to do with you
Imagine there are five points to be discussed at a meeting and only one of them applies to you. It is legitimate to excuse yourself and say that you will only participate in the part that is relevant to you.
-kk-