The Meeting You're Not In

Ever wanted to be in “that” meeting…you know, the one behind closed doors?  Yes, I must admit, there have been a few of those for me.  And, there are some I have been in that I wish I had something else planned.  But that’s not the purpose of this post.  We want to be in some meetings because of how it makes us feel…either important and/or informed.  So, what if you’re not invited?  Frankly, there are more meetings that you won’t attend than those you will.  And, how you handle that fact is critical to your leadership capacity.  The challenge here is to lead from where you are today.  Where you haven’t been invited doesn’t necessarily limit your influence or ability to lead.  Concentrating on our part to play in any organization and sphere of responsibility is key to keeping the right perspective.  No one can do your part, the way you do it within your personality.  Your assignment is truly unique because of who you are. 

Here are some helpful suggestions in remaining true to yourself while growing in your leadership:

• Choose certain friends that will keep you real.  Having safe friendships to filter your feelings are invaluable.
• Use social media as a tool and not a measurement.  If it becomes nothing more than a gauge of  how many “likes” or retweets, it ceases to be helpful.
• Ask yourself the helpful, probing “why” questions.  Why do you really want to be in that meeting anyway?
• Read books recommended by leaders in your field.  Don’t outshoot yourself in information; rather, be exposed to material that will take you higher where you are presently.
• Show up and stay strategically quiet.  Visibility is critical in showing support and buy-in; meaningless chatter is not.

Remaining faithful and fruitful in that special place only you can fill potentially opens more doors and furthers your influence for the good.  Who knows, you might be leading in a meeting that you don’t even have to attend.

So, how can you lead from your place in the organization today?