I was lucky enough to be at the Global Peter Drucker Forum earlier this month, soaking up the latest leadership thinking.
I’m brimming over with fresh ideas for you, but one moment that really stuck with me was a panellist who had the grace and self-awareness to know when to stop talking. Rather than taking up more airtime when it was his turn to speak again, he just said ‘I’ve said all I need to say.’ Amen to that.
How about we all get into the habit of saying this in meetings next year? We can’t continue with relentless meeting schedules that leave no space in between to do anything meaningful. No one can think deeply in ten-minute slices. Be the brave person who resists the urge to contribute to the noise. Once you start saying that you have nothing to add, others will copy.
If staying silent isn’t your issue however, then give the gift of your ideas next year instead. Speak up more and get your point of view across. You’ll feel more confident if you schedule time to prepare your points. If you feel that you don’t have anything meaningful to add, you still need to be heard. Say that you agree with what’s been said so far, summarise it, and confirm the action or decision that comes next. Doing that well is a rare skillset.
That’s all I have to say for 2023.
As always, I’m indebted to you for your support, inspiration and encouragement. Please do keep your feedback and suggestions coming; I just love hearing from you. Feel free to share this with people you want to hear more from next year (or maybe a little less).
You know where to find me to book me for your away-days, kick-offs, and conferences in 2024, or for practical and effective leadership programmes, or just a chat.
Sending peace, health and happiness to you and your loved ones
Zena
Zena Everett
Author of Mind Flip, Take the Fear out of your Career and The Crazy Busy Cure, a winner at the Business Book Awards