Sometimes missing a critical meeting just can't be helped. Despite the advance planning, you just cannot make it to the meeting. Before you get out the guilt stick and beat yourself up about how stupid that was or how bad it's going to be for your career, take a step back and examine how to overcome your absence.
If you have been following my advice, you did all of the advance preparation for attending the meeting or the show. You know from those preparations about the specific activities and events that you missed. Always keep the agenda or the pre-show planner until after the event occurs.
Recently I had to miss an important event at which I was to give a speech. Fortunately, I was prepared in advance and was able to send my speech via email for distribution at the event.
Learn from this: Prepare in advance. Plan for Murphy's Law. Be prepared to ask someone to present your information or represent you at the event. In the case that you are irreplaceable (we all wish that) contact the lead organizer and let them know you have a conflict. Find out the best way to proceed and explore if there is anything you can do in advance to smooth it over. If extra work is required as a result of your inability to attend, do it. That way you are making a commitment even if you are not there.
Tip: Try not to wait until the last minute to report that you can't make it. The more advance notice you give, the better the relationship will be and they better their chance to find a replacement.
After you have missed the event, spend some time assessing what activities took place. Think it terms of the most critical elements. Did someone take notes? Can you get them? Who has the information on the discussion topics and the outcomes of the conversation? Was a colleague or associate in attendance? If it was your boss, see if you can get some face time to review what transpired. Follow up with the person in charge of the event. Send a handwritten note to them and apologize for your absence. Volunteer to help again at the next event. Remember you are not really doing penance; you are just getting back into the loop.
Sometimes actually missing a meeting can work to your advantage. After the event, you can get in front of important participants by requesting that they bring you up to speed. Apologize for missing the event but don't obsess about it. We all experience events beyond our control.
Establish a rapport with the meeting leaders and discuss a absence protocol. Volunteer to set one up. This places you in a favorable position. You are still willing to do your share and be active in the group's outcome.
Volunteer for other assignments. A word of caution: if the reason for missing the meeting was family or medical issues that are not resolved, wait for this step to your plate is clear. Missing one meeting is OK. Missing more than that can cause problems.
Remember the important issue is to not overreact because you couldn't be there. Regroup and rethink your strategy to get back into the mainstream events and activities.
Think big picture and plot in the grand scheme of things. Yes, you really hated that you missed a critical meeting but in the long run responsiveness and willingness to commit is what people will remember after that single event.
JoAnn Hines' specialty is PACKAGING PEOPLE. Whether you want to be paid more, you just lost your job, or you want to progress in the one you have, Ms. Hines advice and expertise can help you transform your personal brand. She can show you how to package yourself and make your brand a hot commodity. It's easy once you know the ropes and begin to utilize her insider's secrets. She shows you step by step how to increase your visibility, credibility and marketability with easy to use tutorials and templates.
It is time to get started "Packaging Yourself."
Email me the Chief People Packager @ pkgcoach@aol.com
When the word "networking" is used, we tend to think... Read More
You've had 3 interviews with a potential employer and they've... Read More
During the job hunter's market of the 1990's, employers were... Read More
Sophisticated job seekers know and understand that sometime during the... Read More
Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More
The Question: After identifying a potential employer, I get contact... Read More
What's It All About? The field of patent law is... Read More
Like all new innovations, technology in the work environment can... Read More
You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More
I always look forward to the December issue of... Read More
There is an old adage that "Looking for a job... Read More
Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign... Read More
Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More
The tragedy for millions of people is that they never... Read More
Many people do not bother to look at their own... Read More
Resume Writing doesn't have to be a solo gigResume writing... Read More
Are you considering another trip through the career maze? Attending... Read More
At every talk I give, I ask the audience to... Read More
(excerpted from The Weekend Seminar - Skills for the 21st... Read More
Looking for work is an energy-devouring ordeal, often leading to... Read More
"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the... Read More
An employment interview is a goal oriented conversation in which... Read More
One-day you're minding your own business and your boss comes... Read More
How good are you at standing up for yourself?Do you... Read More
The Painful ApproachFor many years, "performance management" was of an... Read More
What are you interested in? We all have a passion... Read More
Are you thinking about a career change? Many people do... Read More
* If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More
Planning and preparing before you begin to send out resumes... Read More
Practicing Altruism The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and... Read More
Searching for a job can be a daunting and confusing... Read More
I don't know his name and he wasn't trying to... Read More
Would you like to have more energy and synergy in... Read More
The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More
The rapid changes that have mainly been brought about by... Read More
Are you looking to hire the best talent? Are you... Read More
Q. "I wasn't happy with my last performance review. Should... Read More
Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage... Read More
Recent surveys suggest that, given the chance, about four out... Read More
"Bill, thanks so much for your assistance with this search.... Read More
Why do you work?Stop and think about it. Other than... Read More
If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you... Read More
"Doing a good job is one of the most important... Read More
If you are not busy living, then you must be... Read More
Are you harboring bitterness or anger towards your current or... Read More
How good are you at standing up for yourself?Do you... Read More
Your resume is your sales letter. It may not get... Read More
A relationship expert once said that during an argument, there's... Read More
The success of any business or organization depends largely on... Read More
Just what is a "thurvival skill?" It's a skill that... Read More
Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More
Seeking meaningful and fulfilling work can become a discouraging, confusing... Read More
The old adages: "It's not what you know, but who... Read More
Since the world started hair has been a very important... Read More
Use a resume as a foot in the doorWhen you... Read More
Many people are working at jobs they don't want and... Read More
Question: How do I market myself online?Answer: With a stellar... Read More
The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be... Read More
Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More
Searching for jobs online is easier than ever, but also... Read More
The traditional model of career choice suggests a linear pattern.... Read More
1. Employee Backdrop in AustraliaThe whole arena of Industrial Relations... Read More
It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More
11 Commandments For Smart Negotiating1 - BE PREPARED. The... Read More
Continuing professional development (CPD) is promoted by the CIPD to... Read More
1. Define Success for YourselfClarify and write down what success... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |