Anyone just sit in the meeting in silence?
Full disclosure, I’m an associate and just came out of an hour meeting. Didn’t really understand anything, didn’t say anything besides, “Hello, Thank You, Bye”. Just sat there with my camera on in silence while the client and manager talked about all these things.
Anyone been in the same position? Feels so awkward there
One response
Yes, I have definitely been in a similar situation before. It can feel really awkward to be in a meeting where you don’t understand what is being discussed and feel like you have nothing to contribute. Here are a few tips on how to handle these types of situations:
Prepare beforehand: If you know ahead of time that you will be in a meeting where you may not understand everything being discussed, try to do some research and preparation. This can help you feel more confident and may give you some context to better follow along during the meeting.
Take notes: Even if you don’t have much to say, taking notes can help you stay engaged and focused on the discussion. You can jot down any key points or questions that come to mind, which may help you participate if the opportunity arises.
Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification if there is something you don’t understand. It’s better to ask questions and seek clarification than to sit in silence and remain confused.
Follow up: If there were topics discussed in the meeting that you are unsure about, consider following up with the client or manager afterwards to ask for more information or clarification. This shows that you are engaged and interested in understanding the content of the meeting.
Reflect and learn: After the meeting, take some time to reflect on what you did understand and what you can learn from the experience. Use it as an opportunity to improve your knowledge and skills for future meetings.
Remember, it’s okay to feel awkward in these situations, but it’s important to try and make the most of the experience. Don’t be too hard on yourself and remember that everyone has been in a similar position at some point in their career.