Hold your own in meetings – Photo credit: the gloss.com

My first meeting as a freshly minted associate in a prominent Public Accounting firm left me gasping for air seconds after it was over. I was the only associate in the room, out-numbered and out-ranked by engagement seniors, managers and client directors. I uttered not one word, feeling the sky would crumble over my head if I dared saying anything. The next ten or so meetings I attended were similar, and again, felt like sheer torture. College had taught me the basics of accounting, yet when it came to holding my own in a meeting room where I was the youngest ,least experienced, not to mention the only woman of color, that did not come with the degree, or any technical manual for that matter.

Holding your own in any meeting is challenging. Speaking up and effectively contributing to the conversation when you’re out-numbered, out-ranked, and frankly over-powered, can take you over the edge. Yet, it’s in these types of challenging situations that younger, ambitious career women (and men) can set themselves aside from the crowd and attract opportunities early on in their careers. How does one behave when not taught what to do, say (or even how to breathe) when everyone else in the room seems to have an edge over you?

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare! You never want to be caught in a situation where you have no clue what is being discussed. There is a reason why you are in this meeting, other than providing copies and occasionally arranging coffee runs (yes, it happens). Even when it seems your opinion is not valued or asked for, make it your responsibility to inquire of what will be discussed during the meeting, research it, and gather at least three points of discussion you could contribute if the opportunity presents itself. This is especially important for introverts at work, who feel more comfortable when coming in over-prepared. Make sure you are familiar with the basics, i.e. the agenda, who the attendees are, the time and location (showing up in the wrong conference room will not cut it). Oh, and make sure to bring enough copies for everyone in the room, even if you’re not asked! Hooking up the partner on the job with an extra copy of the agenda will always work in your advantage…

2. Repeat after me, NEVER, EVER diminish yourself by emphasizing your rookie status! In other words, even if you feel you ain’t got no business even gracing the wallpaper in the meeting room, refrain from digging your own grave! You have as much right to be there as anyone else, otherwise you just wouldn’t be. Women especially tend to feel out of place in high-powered, more masculine work environments, especially when subject to “manterruptions” and other obstacles to speaking up effectively at work. Whatever you do (or think), do not mention your lack of experience, newness or lower rank; you’ll only succeed at making yourself feel worse, and everyone else doubt why you deserve to be here in the first place.

3. Fake a Power Attitude! This is when the “fake it ’til you make it” mantra comes in. You could be at the job for two minutes or ten years, and nothing else will ever beat a power attitude. A study by the Harvard Review found adopting a power pose like the Wonder Woman for just a few minutes before entering a stressful situation can boost testosterone levels, which are associated with feelings of power and dominance. Practice a power attitude, put your shoulders back, take a deep breath, and walk into that room like you own it…because really, you do!

How do you hold your own in meetings when you are out-numbered and out-ranked?

The Corporate Sis.