Meetings aren't about your ideas.
They never were:
They're auditions.
And you're performing for an audience that's already decided your worth.
Harsh?
Maybe.
But after 10,000+ meetings working for companies like Microsoft, Virgin and Seiko Epson, here's what nobody tells you:
Your boss scores every single interaction.
Not your PowerPoint.
Not your talking points.
Your behaviour.
Here Are The 5 Career-Killing Signals You're Sending:
1️⃣ The Phone Checker
↳ That quick glance at your screen?
↳ Says "this room isn't important enough"
2️⃣ The Late Arriver
↳ Coffee in hand, apologies ready
↳ Screams "my chaos matters more than your time"
3️⃣ The Silent Observer
↳ Perfect notes, zero input
↳ Translates to "I add nothing unique here"
4️⃣ The Over-Talker
↳ Fills every silence with their voice
↳ Announces "I'm desperately insecure about my value"
5️⃣ The Early Packer
↳ Laptop closing before "any questions?"
↳ Broadcasting "I've already mentally left this room"
But here's the secret game:
High performers aren't smarter.
They just understand the theatre.
Here's what high performers actually do:
1️⃣ First to unmute on calls
↳ Shows engagement before competence
2️⃣ Ask the clarifying question
↳ Proves you're actually listening
3️⃣ Summarise before moving on
↳ Demonstrates you grasp complexity
4️⃣ Credit others' ideas publicly
↳ Builds allies while showing confidence
5️⃣ Send follow-up within 2 hours
↳ Creates evidence of your initiative
The brutal truth?
Careers aren't built on performance reviews.
They're built into Tuesday's team meeting.
In how you show up.
In the signals you don't know you're sending.
Look, I've been that person.
The one taking perfect notes, staying silent.
Thinking my work would speak for itself.
It took me years to realise nobody was listening.
Because I wasn't really speaking in the language that matters.
What meeting behaviour would you add to this? Let's discuss in the comments