Contribute to a meeting

background

Cultual differences can sometimes make it difficult for international teams to communicate effectively. We need to learn how to behave in a meeting in a productive way, so that you can overcome these differences.

• Understand the context
• Participate effectively
• Agree meetings outcomes

make a suggestion

A: Why don't we make a plan?

A: How about we change the deadline?

A: What about discussing the problem?

A: How about we discuss the communication problem, and then try to find a solution to improve it?

the questions to ask for feedback

A: Do you see what I mean?

A: Does that make sense?

A: What do you think?

bring people in

A: Does anyone have any ideas to improve our team communication?

B: Why don't we all say what we find difficult, and then make a plan to make it better?

A: We have too much on at the moment and I don't think we'll finish everything by Friday. Does anyone have any ideas?

B: Why don't we talk to the client? We might be able to change the deadline.

A: I'd like to improve our team social skills, any ideas?

B: What about going for lunch together on Fridays?

open the questions to others

A: Does anyone else have anything they'd like to mention?

A: Would anyone else like to comment?

check the progress of the meeting with your team

A: So what else do we need to discuss?

A: OK, so where are we so far?

A: I think we've covered everything. What's the next step?

B: We need to write up the project plan by next week.

appreciate their time at the end of a meeting

A: Thank you. That was really productive.

A: Let's have another meeting next week.

A: I'll send a summary by e-mail.