Business Meetings in Canada Do’s and Don’ts
So, you got the job Congratulations, it took a lot, but you earned it!
You are now settling into your new role within the first couple of weeks, learning your co-workers' names and personalities you are riding this new job roller coaster of emotions with all the dips and twists, but you got this!
Now you get an email from your boss to attend a team meeting.
Should you be worried? In your country of origin, your boss would only hold a meeting if it was bad news, or people were possibly being fired. Is it the same in workplaces in Canada?
No need to worry, regular team meetings are common in Canadian workplaces for a variety of reasons not always bad. We are here to help with some tips for you to succeed:
BE PREPARED
If you are provided with an agenda read it over before, possibly ask your boss for additional items you think need to be discussed and most of all try to find out what is the overall purpose of the meeting (positive results, general updates, workplace issues etc.)
BE EARLY OR PUNCTUAL
Being early 5 to 10 minutes is good or right on time. If you are going to be late let your boss know ahead of time and apologize when you show up to your team.
READ THE FEEL OF THE ROOM
How are people acting? Is the general feel positive and social? Serious and focused? Calm and easy going? By analyzing the ‘feeling’ of the room you will be able to figure out how to act and mirror your co-workers.
INTRODUCTIONS
Be prepared to introduce yourself professionally, especially if you are meeting new people. State what is your current role, area of specialty or educational background along with what have you been working on recently.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Dress code is in full effect, even if it is an on-line meeting. No perfumes or strong scents and dress how you normally would for work. Look professional.
CELL PHONES
Unless there is a home-based emergency, workplace issue, or searching the internet to something related to the meeting cell phone should be turned OFF. Did you know that 82% of the time people who are on their phones during a meeting, it is not work related but related to social media. If you need to leave it on, tell everyone there if you are expecting a call or text and then leave to answer or deal with it when it comes in.
LISTEN WELL, ASK QUESTIONS, AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS
Teamwork, democracy and a respect for others are considered key in Canadian Workplace Culture. In most situations, it is considered okay to share your ideas and concerns with your boss and fellow staff during a meeting, each member can bring possible solutions to the meeting.
There are many, many more in addition to these…wanting to learn more?
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