Do you speak up in the meetings?

Ah, the world of office meetings – where we watch human behavior unfold, reflect on ourselves, and try to understand others.

Let's chat about the advice we often hear: "Speak up in meetings to boost your confidence and visibility."

Before that what are the benefits of this skill :

1. Visibility and Recognition:

Gain acknowledgment for your contributions, increasing your visibility among colleagues and supervisors.

2. Relationship Building:

Forge connections and expand your network by actively engaging with others during meetings.

3. Skill Development:

Enhance communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through active participation.

4. Influence and Impact:

Influence decisions and outcomes, potentially sparking innovation and positive changes within your team or organization.

5. Career Advancement:

Position yourself for growth opportunities and demonstrate leadership potential by showcasing your ability to contribute meaningfully in meetings.

My experience:

Early in my career, when I attended team gatherings, I usually stayed quiet until my boss nudged me to share something. I'd happily oblige, feeling safe in my space.

But truth be told, I wasn't just twiddling my thumbs. I was waiting for the right moment to jump in. Sometimes, I wanted to let my team shine, other times, I needed to think things through, or I simply wanted to understand how it all affected us.

You see, I worked at places where hierarchy ruled. I perceived, only my boss cared about my input. So, I'd either smile a lot like a cat or daydream during meetings – not really engaging.

Then, opportunities led me to smaller teams with simpler structures, better work profiles. Suddenly, I could bypass the maze of hierarchy and I could talk directly to the leadership team members.

And guess what? They listened, they asked questions and also appreciated my ideas on occasions. I felt more confident, like I was finally breaking free from my shell. I was going through a gradual cultural shift at workplace and also finding my voice. I was also learning how to treat my team.

But there were times, I admit, I missed out on opportunities because I hesitated to speak up. I waited for the right time, right place to share my views. So, why do we often stay silent in meetings? Some thoughts:

1. Lack of Confidence:

It's the main culprit. If you don't feel good about yourself or struggle with speaking up, it's tough to join the conversation. But hey, you can build confidence with practice and a bit of self-motivation.

2. Fear of Public Speaking:

Yup, it's scary. But the more you speak up, the easier it gets. Start small, like in team meetings, and work your way up.

3. Fear of Ridicule:

Some people love to tease others. But think about it – would you rather risk a joke or miss out on a chance to share your ideas?

4. Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing or Conflict:

It happens. But it's not just about what you say, it's how you say it. Practice respectful communication, and you'll navigate those tricky moments like a pro.

So, next time you're in a meeting, don't hide in the shadows. Speak up, share your thoughts, and make your presence known. Your ideas matter, and it's time to let them shine.

All the best!!