"Drawing
on my fine command of language, I said nothing." Anonymous
Are
you one of the last ones to speak up in meetings? Do you feel you're missing
opportunities to further your career because no one knows what's going on inside your
head?
If you're an introvert--more comfortable spending time thinking in your
head than talking in meetings--learn to speak up and be heard by utilizing this
simple strategy to make it easier to share your ideas.
Introverts need time to think. If you're an
introvert, when you fail to speak you know it isn't because you don't have
anything to say. There's a lot going on in your head. The problem is you don't
like to speak before you've had time to carefully craft your thoughts.
Recognizing this is the key to speaking up more. When you acknowledge you need
time to reflect before you're willing to publically share your thoughts you can
plan ahead and provide yourself the necessary quiet time prior to meetings.
Ask for the agenda. For the
introvert, being forearmed is essential. If your boss isn't in the habit of
providing an agenda ahead of time, ask for one. When you know the topics to be
discussed you can give yourself time to gather your thoughts. Come to the
meeting with at least three written points you can contribute.
Anticipate getting caught
off-guard.
Anticipate getting caught off-guard by having a pre-formulated response that
turns your preference to think before you speak into a benefit instead of a
liability. "Rather than coming off half-cocked I need to think about this
and get back to you."
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2 comments:
I wanted to read a little bit more on this and I know you have more to say and want to say it! As an IF, my F drives me to speak without thinking...another good reason to think ahead. Love, TMR
Dear Anonymous TMR--
As a hiding in plain view ENFP there's always more to say! So good to hear from you. More forthcoming!
Anon in plain view :)
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