Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace??

Have you ever sat in a meeting where the team is supposed to brainstorm on a new sales strategy or product? Everyone is encouraged to share ideas, yet the moment someone speaks up, their suggestion is dismissed with barely a thought. Before long, the atmosphere grows tense, and the room falls silent. What started as a brainstorming session now feels like an exercise in futility, where ideas evaporate as quickly as they’re voiced. You might recognize this scenario: bold suggestions are shot down, practical tweaks ignored, and the team’s energy dwindles into frustration and disengagement.

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The problem? It’s not the lack of ideas—it’s the lack of leadership.

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You see, meetings like these often fall prey to the Abilene paradox. That’s when people go along with decisions they secretly disagree with, just to avoid rocking the boat. Ironically, the boat sinks anyway because no one’s truly invested in where it’s headed. A poorly handled ideation process doesn’t just miss out on great ideas; it also erodes trust and enthusiasm, leaving team members feeling like extras in a script they didn’t write.

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A true leader knows this. Perhaps they remember a time when a junior team member’s quiet, game-changing suggestion saved a project. They understand that the best ideas often come from the quietest voices. They create a safe, non-judgmental space where every idea is heard—not immediately evaluated or dismissed. It’s not about handing out gold stars for participation but about fostering genuine collaboration.

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Imagine if the meeting leader approached the process like a skilled DJ. They’d blend different beats (or ideas) to create a track that everyone wants to dance to. Instead of judging, they’d guide: “Interesting point! What’s a potential downside to that?” or “How could we build on this?” The result? A team that feels seen, heard, and valued. Ideas that are refined, not rejected. A project everyone is excited to champion.

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Leadership isn’t about dominating the playlist—it’s about making sure every instrument contributes to the symphony. As the saying goes, a true leader builds more leaders, not followers. They empower their teams to think boldly, trust the process, and work toward a common goal with conviction.

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So, the next time you're in a meeting, don’t just think about the outcome. Think about the process. Because how you get there determines where you’ll end up. And trust me, the destination’s much better when everyone’s on board—and actually excited to be there.