Yesterday, I may have offended big bag carrying, blackberry wielding friends with my discourse on how we interact with the world, so today, I'll try to lace my suggestions with a bit more empathy.

I know that for many, going into a "big meeting" can be scary, for several reasons..

1. You may feel inferior...you're not. Remember, compare yourself to no one but yourself. I bet you get better and better with time. So focus on the best in you, honor the best in others and remind yourself that we're each equipped with something that contributes to the good of the whole over time.
   
2. You may be new to the company or organization...embrace it! Don't try to be anything you're not is the first rule of personal success and satisfaction. So be green (as in new...not so much as in earth-friendly, although that's not a bad idea, either!). Be quiet. Be a good note taker—write down everything you don't understand and spend time every day finding the answers to your questions, either through asking your boss (when she or he has time to talk to you—setting an appointment is a good idea) or through a bit of research on your own.
3. You may have some negative expectations associated with the meeting...stop it. We don't have time today to discuss all the possible scenarios that can keep positive wind from filling your sails as you cruise into a meeting, but I can tell you that if you can set aside your preconceptions; listen with the intention of truly understanding the situation; and make other people the focus of your energy rather than promoting yourself or your own agenda, you will experience greater goodness in the outcomes.

For more tips on how to communicate in business meetings, or how to communicate in general, take some time to read a post from January on Speaking to be understood. And remember, I'm always here to listen if you have specific concerns. Email me anytime at mimi@thegoodnessgrows.com, and we'll nurture your skills until they're in full bloom!