Discussion Etiquette

Google’s definition of ‘Etiquette’ means ‘the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.’ Adding anything before ‘etiquette’ is a topic discussion (as in, table etiquette, corporate etiquette, etc).

I’m not aware if the term ‘discussion etiquette’ exists or not, but 90-95% people do not possess this and induce a bad energy; especially, when in meeting with an outsider (client).

Here are 6 tips to remember while meeting client(s):

• Sit straight, stop swinging leg/pen/pencil/chair & answer any calls OUTSIDE the room. Leave the personal traits at your home.
• If you are not adding any value, please leave the discussion/meeting.
  • A person who does not contribute in a discussion/meeting inspite of the presence attributes to a negative trait. Contribut or leave.
  • If you wish to know the crux of the discussion, request MOM (Minutes Of Meet).
• Do not cross-talk within your team in the client’s presence.
• Stay away from any work which is irrelevant to the meeting.
  • In case a task arises that requires attention, try rescheduling OR not attending the meet.
  • Example: The client is here to resolve YOUR JIRA queries. He allocates only 60% of his time resolving queries and the rest, towards preparing a weather report that is no way related to the meeting, would you pay attention to him?
• Stop throwing your teammates under the bus.
  • There might be queries even after a crystal clear explanation OR some would like to know more about a particular query. This, in no way, is an offense just because it is being verified with a more knowledgable person.
  • Avoid phrases like, “I told you right?”, “We already discussed this previously”, “I think we talked about it?” infront of the client. These phrases show that the team lacks coordination and team spirit.
• Stop using substance-less words in discussions. Reduce the number of words to increase the clarity of speech.
  • Example: I was calling the supplier all day long yesterday & he finally answered it after multiple attempts only to find he needed more understanding regarding the purchase order. Later on, I explained him the purchased order for 10-15 minutes and also cleared his doubts in the end. He then sent the stock to the warehouse.
  • The above statement can be rephrased as: “The supplier and I discussed about the purchase order yesterday. The order has been dispatched.”

We like people we haven’t met in real life because of their ability to carry themselves in public. Nobody picks a word even if one is unprofessional in a professional environment BUT will certainly be remembered because body language sets the tone of the conversation and leaves an impression sub-consciously.

Like it or not, impressions matter. First impressions matter the most.

~ Adios!