One challenge that I’ve been observing over the past several months with several clients is speaking up in meetings.
In my coaching practice, I often work with clients who have received feedback that they aren’t contributing or speaking up in meetings. There are several reasons why this may be occurring: lack of self-confidence, inner fear of not saying the right thing, of coming from a cultural background where speaking up is not the norm.
In the US, many organizational hierarchies have flattened, the corporate culture is more informal, and participation is expected for career advancement. Yet, speaking up in meetings is still challenging.
Here are 5 strategies that have worked for my clients and may also work for you:
1. Change in mindset.
The first step in any behavior change is in one’s thinking. Instead of focusing on what others are going to think of you, think in terms of the value and perspective you can offer to the others in the meeting. You would not have been invited to the meeting if the meeting organizer did not think you had something of value to contribute. Reframe the opportunity as something you “get to do” instead of something you “have to do”.
2. Align your participation with something you value.
If you value achieving your goals, the ability to influence others, and/or working towards a particular purpose. Finding your “why” for speaking up can be beneficial in shifting your mindset.
3. Prepare for the meeting.
If an agenda for the meeting is sent out before the meeting, take time to see where you can contribute. What topics do you have knowledge or perspective that could be helpful? If there is no agenda for the meeting, a quick note to the organizer asking for what will be discussed can be preemptive in helping to think about what you can contribute.
4. Ask a question.
Oftentimes in a meeting, asking a thought-provoking question can be more impactful than a comment or statement. Listening well during a meeting and becoming aware of what raises your curiosity can instigate new thoughts which can lead to interesting questions.
5. Enlist support.
I recently worked with a client who did receive feedback from her manager that she wasn’t speaking up in meetings. She was the only female in her regular department meetings, and she found it difficult to be heard as others dominated the dialogue in these meetings.
She asked her manager, who also attended these meetings, for support. When topics on her expertise came up in meetings, he deferred to her so that she had the opportunity to be heard. A tag-team approach such as this led her to be able to successfully speak up and be heard.
Are there strategies that you have used that have worked for you? I would love to hear them! Feel free to respond in the comments below.