American Association for Physician Leadership

Self-Management

Left Out of Important Meetings? Here’s How to Get Invited

Harvard Business Review

July 19, 2018


Summary:

Physician leaders not invited to important meetings might consider using these three tactics to get in the loop.





Physician leaders who want to stay in the loop but are omitted from significant discussions might consider using these three tactics.

When you’re not invited to a meeting, it’s easy to point the finger and blame others for overlooking you, but that typically won’t get you the invitation.

Ultimately, the responsibility is yours to prove why you should be in the room. To secure a seat at the table, tailor your tactic to the situation.

Here are some tips:

Your boss goes to all the meetings and leaves you out? Set aside time to talk with him or her about your goals, directly stating your interest in attending specific meetings, and ask what you can do to demonstrate your value. Ask your boss if there are projects you can work on that would help you be included in those meetings.

RELATED: Dealing with the Dilemma of Digital Devices in Meetings

You have a peer who is intentionally excluding you? Set up a time to have a conversation with your colleague about the pattern you’re observing. When you explain why you should be in those meetings, focus on the business reasons, not your personal int

You aren’t on the organizer’s radar screen? Start by asking yourself whether you are spending enough time developing strong relationships with your co-workers. Getting to know your colleagues increases the chances that they’ll be more aware of your value. If there’s a specific meeting you’re targeting, make clear to your manager that you’re interested in joining and make yourself useful.

RELATED: How to Save a Meeting That’s Gotten Tense

Copyright 2018 Harvard Business School Publishing Corp. Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate.

Harvard Business Review

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For over 45 years.

The American Association for Physician Leadership has helped physicians develop their leadership skills through education, career development, thought leadership and community building.

The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) changed its name from the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) in 2014. We may have changed our name, but we are the same organization that has been serving physician leaders since 1975.

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