Boardroom Etiquette

1. Before attending the meeting, read all the material provided, in advance, including the agenda, who all will be attending, etc.

2. Never be late (or too early) for others have taken the trouble to be punctual.

3. Ensure that you have all the things required for the meeting — agenda, stationery, etc.— at hand to avoid searching for them during the meeting.

4. Place your briefcases and purses on the floor, not on a chair nearby or the conference table.

5. Avoid doodling on your notepad, or fidgeting with clips or pens (especially if they are jotter pens that you click to open or close. The clicking sound can be quite annoying!

6. Avoid crossing your legs (though you may cross it at the ankles) as it gives the impression of casusalness.

7. Be formally attired. Make sure that your shoes are polished.
8. Avoid crossing your arms, which according to body language, spells hostility or aggression.

9. Do not slouch, but sit straight. Be attentive and alert.

10. When you enter the room, shake hands with your colleagues, and introduce yourself to those who do not know you.

11. Think before you speak. Speak briefly and to the point.

12. It is wiser to be circumspect, than establishing battlelines.

13. Avoid interrupting someone who is speaking. Wait for the person to complete what he/she is saying before speaking.

14. It is better to make suggestions and recommendations rather than to give orders or take an adamant stance.

15. Speak positively and use "we" when referring to your company, etc.

16. Use honorifics, even though you may be on a first name basis, saying, "Mr Ramprasad says that..." instead of "Sanjay says that..."

17. If you are going to chair the meeting, see that the meeting time is convenient for all, avoiding Monday mornings and Friday afternoons (if it is a 5-day week, else avoid Saturday afternoons)

18. The two seats on either side of the Chairman should be reserved for the two most important people attending a meeting.

19. Keep the atmosphere conducive for a frank and open discussion, and mediate during conflictual situations to cease the tension.

20. Provide breaks for people to use the toilets or make telephone calls.

21. At the end of the meeting, do not forget to give credit to the deserving and thank everyone for attending the meeting.

22. If name tags are provided, they should bear the first and last names, without the Mr, Mrs or Ms.

23. Make sure that each person has within his/her reach a glass and bottled water; you can add some eats too, provided it is nothing very heavy and greasy.

24. The agenda must include all items that are to be discussed, with time specifications.

25. A copy of the agenda must be distributed to all members well in advance of the meeting.