Leaders Move Out of Their Comfort Zone to Engage in Meetings

As the leader of my organization, I would conduct weekly planning meetings with my department heads. The purpose of the meeting was to track our progress toward meeting our strategic goals.

During the meeting, each department head would present an update on their progress. They would also share their next steps to reach or exceed our goals. In addition, I expected the department heads to provide feedback to each other on their plans.

After the first couple of meetings, I noticed one department head didn’t contribute to the discussion. During a one-on-one meeting with the individual, I asked why? The individual told me they didn’t feel comfortable sharing in groups.

Over the next couple of weeks, we worked on strategies to help the individual build their confidence. While the individual didn’t become the life of the meeting, their participation increased significantly.

Have you ever been to a meeting, and you had a brilliant idea to share, but you didn’t speak up? Or maybe you had the answer to the boss’s question during the meeting, but you didn’t speak up?

If you answered yes to either question, then you may be a wallflower! So, what’s a wallflower? Someone who is shy or doesn’t feel comfortable around other people. As a result, wallflowers tend to be quiet in groups.

If you are a wallflower, how can you move out of your comfort zone and contribute during the next meeting? In their article, Six Tips To Attending Meetings Like A Pro, the online site BePaperSmart.com offers the following tips to help build your confidence.

1. Prepare for the meeting – before the meeting review the agenda, prepare notes, and questions to ask during the meeting
2. Enter the meeting with confidence – walk into the meeting with you head-up, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake
3. Arrive early – take time to greet everyone before the meeting to break the ice
4. Share your ideas – speak up and participate in the meeting
5. Ask smart questions – prepare and ask questions to provoke thinking or move the conversation forward
6. Pay attention – remove distractions and stay focused

The goal is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and shine!

“Everyone shines, given the right lighting.”

Susan Cain

Are you moving out of your comfort zone and engaging during meetings?

#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim

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