CRITICAL THINKING SERIES NO. 8 – “DON’T IGNORE THE QUIET VOICES” –
Brad Hagemann
Process and Tools Leader, Program Manager, Continuous Improvement Specialist, University Evangelist - The views expressed are those by me and me alone, and are not associated with the views of present or past employers.
When it comes to Critical Thinking, all perspectives and insights need to be identified and addressed in order to come up with the best solution (or identify or mitigate some unforeseen challenge.) In order to do this, all team members must have an equal opportunity to have their opinions heard. Unfortunately, very often it’s either the loudest or most forceful voice dominating the conversation, or the voice of the most senior member of the team. When this happens, the value of the Critical Thinking exercise is short-changed, as not everyone, especially the shy or the introverted will have a chance to contribute. When engaging in a Critical Thinking exercise, “Don’t Ignore the Quiet Voices.”
Being an introvert doesn’t mean you always have to fear sharing your voice. Some of the most successful athletes, writers, musicians, and statesmen were introverts. Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. J.K. Rowling and Dr. Seuss. Frederic Chopin and Elton John. Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi. These amazing people learned to address and push through their shyness to achieve incredible feats.
How many incredibly talented introverts are you working with right now and you may not know it? Those who are more comfortable being alone or in small groups as opposed to large crowds. Folks to process information quietly and thoughtfully instead of in a loud and brash manner. People more likely to act with restraint than impulse.
Thanks to Eric Partaker for sharing the below tips in his LinkedIn post, "Use Quiet Power to Skyrocket You Team's Success."
What are the key strengths of quiet people?
1.???? Calm Under Pressure: Maintain composure during turbulent times.
2.???? Creative Innovators: Ability to see solutions others don't.
3.???? Deep Thinkers: Thorough consideration of issues prior to taking action
4.???? Focused Concentrators: Patience and higher ability to focus on complicated topics
5.???? Inspirational Mentors: Capability to lead in novel ways.
6.???? Empathetic Leaders: Better understanding of emotions and non-verbal communication
7.???? Problem Solvers: Full of creative solutions.
8.???? Excellent Listeners: Patience to listen and consider all data for root causes.
How do you unleash the superpowers often hidden in the quiet members of your team?
How to help bring out the opinions of Quiet Thinkers in meetings?
Don’t forget – having quiet thinkers on your team adds to the diversity of thoughts and opinions to consider when problem-solving or conducting Critical Thinking efforts.? Take some time to identify, nurture and support these often-hidden gems in your organization. ?
GM/Strategic Change Consulting Practice Lead at The Advantage Group, Inc.
8 个月Rafa Lucero Palau, Fernando Alfonso Gallego, Elena Lopez, Andrea Jones, Graham Doig, Nick Petschek
GM/Strategic Change Consulting Practice Lead at The Advantage Group, Inc.
8 个月Brad Hagemann "When it comes to Critical Thinking, all perspectives and insights need to be identified and addressed in order to come up with the best solution" "all team members must have an equal opportunity to have their opinions heard" The above commments are excellentis true, But FIRST People should be enabled to use Critical Thinking. “We can't solve problems by using the same way of thinking we used when we created them.” --Albert Einstein? ? Why do you think companies identified that Critical Thinking skills to ask the right questions the right way to get the right facts, they need to reach the right conclusion, is what their employees need to Make Decisions and Solve Problems https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/03/the-10-most-important-skills-for-workers-according-to-the-wef.html You just need to make sure people is helped to improve the Critical Thinking Capabilities ? Thank you for sharing
Senior Business Growth Director (Europe ME N. Africa Turkey) Futurist, Thought & Servant Leader Speaker, Leadership Coach & Startup Mentor, Ombudsman, Ex Director on Board GE Morocco, GEPSIL (JV), Ex GM Rolls-Royce India
8 个月Well articulated Brad Hagemann as you draw attention to an important aspect of shared opinions with great tips??
Principal at Gemba Coach LLC
8 个月Good thoughts, all folks have a role to play, and should be involved in the playing of it. You are right that often some of the most introverted folks, are some of the most innovative and creative. That does not mean we rule out the extrovert high energy doer types either, just that a leader needs to find a way to bring out the best ideas in all members of the team
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8 个月Great share Brad. Enabling and listening to the quiet voices is ESSENTIAL for any organisation. And then, not only listening but ACTING UPON what they say. They’re usually right!