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 Getting the most out of meetings  Using travelling time
Using Waiting Time EffectivelyIf you need to travel to meet people often, or need to liaise with people who have a highly structured day, you may find that you spend a certain amount of time waiting. This is time that is often wasted. Similarly if you have to be present for an appointment at a specific time, you may have to leave a large amount of contingency time. If your journey goes well you may have to spend a lot of time waiting at the other end.Unfortunately some idiots may also play power games with you by keeping you waiting to try to gain advantage. Good use of waiting time can help to reduce the advantage. The following points can help you to use waiting time effectively: - Confirm the appointment the day before. This reminds people that you will be coming where you have arranged it many days in advance.
- Try not to arrive at the site of the meeting more than 5 minutes early. Doing so gives the impression that you have time to waste.
- Try to leave arrival times approximate. This gives some margin of error should you be held up, and means that you can set out for the meeting later.
- While you are waiting keep busy - not only do you get more work done, it also looks better.
- If people keep you waiting more than 15 minutes they may be playing power games. If you can afford to leave after 15 minutes, tell your contact's PA that you are about to leave. This gives the contact a chance to come out to meet you or explain the delay. If he doesn't, leave. If you can't afford to leave after 15 minutes, then keep working!
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