Embracing Silence: How Introverts Can Revolutionize Office Meetings
Silence is the time when you learn, not the other way around. And, when you learn, you can add value.
“In many ways, introverts are better suited to lead and contribute to meetings because they’re more likely to listen carefully and think before they speak. By incorporating periods of silence into meetings, we can create an environment that encourages thoughtful contributions from all team members, not just the loudest voices.” — Susan Cain, the author of my favourite book — ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.’
Who Speaks First?
Let’s recall a typical corporate office meeting.
- Who speaks first in a meeting?
— The person in power. Or the convenor of the meeting.
Our default setting is to believe this is the default setting for a successful meeting.
- What or who follows next?
— The person who knows nothing. And, hence a lot of questions.
- Who adds the most value to a meeting?
— That’s a surprise
The person who listens more and speaks less.
