Meeting too early in the morning? Not awake yet? Meeting too late in the afternoon when you’re ready to go home? If you want to make the biggest impact start your meeting at 10am, but deliver your main message at 11am.
According to Prof Lawrence Smith, of Leeds University’s institute of Psychological Science we are divided into two broad groups of people - the ‘early risers’ and the ‘afternoon performers’. And as the names suggest there are some of us better suited to different times of the day then others.
Those of us who are early risers should use this to our advantage whether it be as someone holding a meeting or being in one; our ‘body clock’ will be at full throttle at roughly 10am – before the daydreaming starts to occur. And if morning time doesn’t suit you then aim for afternoon slots when your energy really kicks in.
“One of the most effective things organisers can do is to have a short nap, say 10 to 15 minutes” says Prof Smith. “That’s been shown to be hugely effective in people’s levels of alertness”. Whether you are an early bird or late starter Prof Smith advises against alcohol, caffeine, and late nights. Go for lunch time walks, ‘fresh air discussions, and small meals. With this advice in mind we will all be at the top of our game in no time.
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