Let us create a 3D eBook for you!
Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com

 

Speak Up!

MyBrowserCash

"Who Else Wants To Earn Cash Everyday
Using Completely FREE Automated Software?"

How It Works:
- Register and Download The My Browser Cash™ Software.
- Start Earning Money While You're Online!
- Get Paid Via Paypal™ or AlertPay*.
- Share The Wealth™ Referral System Makes You Money Even When You're Not Online!

Register & Install MyBrowserCash Now!


Ever been in a meeting with something important to say and remained silent? You may have felt the flush of the good idea and the rising adrenalin. You may have moved to the front of your seat and readied your body to speak...and then didn't. What stopped you?

Certainly there is wisdom in knowing when to speak and when not to. Knowing the politics of a situation or the time constraints, you may choose not to speak. Often, though, you may have a unique view, perspective, issue or concern that needs to be raised. That contribution would add a new dimension to the discussion or change the decision about to be made.

You may feel strongly about a new policy and your silence allows folks to think you agree. Is that the message you wish to send?

Recently I was involved in the creation of a new management team for a department of a public sector organization. This brought together four people who previously had felt that they were in a 'pecking order' and changed them into a cohesive decision-making team. Two of the four have strong opinions and are very comfortable expressing them. Two are very quiet. In forming the team, we discussed this dynamic. How are we each going to best contribute to the team? We talked about the possibility that the talkative two could overpower the silent two. In fact, they might even do the talking for them! Focusing on the fact that each person was hired because he or she is an expert in a distinct field, it was soon decided that each person's opinion was vital to good decision-making.

The two who are quiet are very competent as are the others. Increasing their level of comfort with adding their voices to the group was important. Two things were agreed upon: every person would speak on every issue and each person would take responsibility for doing so. One of the natural 'talkers' offered to ask the quiet two for their opinions. This seems like a good idea on the surface, however, as a rule, it is a poor idea.

Why is it a poor idea? Simple. If one person takes responsibility for the contributions of others there are two new kinds of control being encouraged. The 'talker' has control over when the others are asked for their opinions. The 'silent' could be waiting to be asked making their contribution the 'talkers' responsibility. Neither of these options are optimal.

The important piece is that each person understands that he or she was hired to contribute his or her expertise and experience to the team. It is the responsibility of the individual to contribute. For the talkers that is easy. In fact, it is enjoyable. For the quiet folks, two things seemed to be true. One of them only felt it necessary to contribute if she disagreed with the direction of the conversation. The other is very shy. What to do?

With some individual coaching for each team member, each began to monitor involvement in the meetings. For those for whom it was difficult, they undertook to at least say when they agreed or disagreed. For those for whom it was easy, they undertook to leave some airtime free. Often, it is a challenge to find a quiet moment to summon up the gumption to speak!

When you have something you feel is important to contribute to a meeting, formulate your thoughts, take a deep breath and jump in. Nothing life-threatening will happen. It's a little like learning to swim. The first few times you may get a mouthful of water and sputter a little. You may find yourself gasping for air. You may flail around a little, but, with practice, things even out and you make progress. Yes, it may feel awkward. Yes, you may discount the importance of what you have to say before you say it. But, jump in. You are there to offer your skills and learning. It is your responsibility.

A tip or two about handling those who only value the sound of their own voices may be in order. They have to take a breath sometime. Be ready to step in and take that opportunity.

AGREE WITH THEM. Beginning with 'I agree with _________ part of your opinion..." and go on to offer your thoughts. Being agreed with, even in part, will encourage them to listen to you.

USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE. Tell folks what you think would be best and why rather than telling them what is wrong with their ideas. Again, you may capture their attention.

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR IDEAS. Work within yourself to clarify your thoughts prior to the meeting. You may even make some notes. Being prepared will make it more likely that you will have some energy behind your points of view and, therefore, be more likely to express them.

BE BRIEF AND SPECIFIC. This is a great tip for everyone at the meeting. Stay on the topic and the point. Give your thoughts and reasons in short sentences, then stop and let others respond. This is the way business gets done! Who wants interminable meetings?

Speak up! You have the right and responsibility to do so.

About The Author

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, speaks, coaches & conducts seminars for organizations who want to motivate their people, and for individuals who want to achieve their dreams. For further articles, free ezines, upcoming teleseminars and booking information, visit http://www.OptimizeLifeNow.com today. For permission to reprint this article, please contact mailto:Jane@OptimizeLifeNow.com

RS@OptimizeLifeNow.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Attraction & Relationships - Google News

President Barry Corey expounds on Biola's homosexuality stance in family ... - Chimes


President Barry Corey expounds on Biola's homosexuality stance in family ...
Chimes
Corey also noted two extreme responses he has heard, one side calling for expulsion of students who experience same-sex attraction, the other side calling for policy revision approving intimate same-sex relationships. Biola will not fall into either of ...

and more »

Farewell, Kim Possible - CSICON


Farewell, Kim Possible
CSICON
Today is the final day for the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure interactive attraction in Epcot at Walt Disney World. Later this summer it will be replaced by the new attraction Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure starring Perry ...

and more »

Homosexuality Is Not A Choice...And Even If It Were, Who Cares? - Mediaite


Homosexuality Is Not A Choice...And Even If It Were, Who Cares?
Mediaite
It could just be they enjoyed the companionship of their heterosexual partner without having any sexual attraction. 3). Why in heterosexual relationships does the woman “wear the pants” sometimes, or does a dad elect to be stay at home while his wife ...

and more »

Why Marriage Equality Is Not Enough - Huffington Post


New York Times

Why Marriage Equality Is Not Enough
Huffington Post
Wagering for inclusion with regard to marriage is problematic first of all because it affirms rather than challenges the legitimacy of marriage as the supreme institution of relationships and domesticities. As has been argued before, the primacy of ...
Obama marriage stance resonatesBay Area Reporter

all 4,934 news articles »

The 5 Biggest Relationship Issues for Men - Huffington Post


The 5 Biggest Relationship Issues for Men
Huffington Post
I think this is very true for our attraction level. Attraction levels can go down over time, but it's a two-way street. After a lot of the mystery is gone, so goes some of the attraction. It's not that we don't care -- because we do -- it's just that ...

Movie review: Marley - Ottawa Citizen


Movie review: Marley
Ottawa Citizen
There's more as well: Marley isn't exactly a comedy, but the constant parade of women who keep popping up to confess to his magnetic attraction becomes almost a running joke. Marley ended up fathering 11 children out of seven relationships, ...

and more »

Sex and Sensibility on Sherlock - ThinkProgress


ThinkProgress

Sex and Sensibility on Sherlock
ThinkProgress
... read Sherlock as asexual, and there's certainly ample reason to think that; he talks about being married to his work, and in the original canon as well as Moffat's work we don't necessarily see evidence of sexual relationships or sexual attraction.

and more »

A New Survey Sheds Light on 'The Seven Year Itch' - Huffington Post


A New Survey Sheds Light on 'The Seven Year Itch'
Huffington Post
But physical attraction still matters in the success of relationships. And unless we find a healthy way to take that into account, we do a disservice to ourselves -- and our partners. Not Just For Men: Ongoing mutual attraction is not only "just for ...

Guys reveal sexual interest in gal pals - Mother Nature Network


Mother Nature Network

Guys reveal sexual interest in gal pals
Mother Nature Network
Women who were romantically involved were also equally as likely as single gals to be attracted to their male friends, but they drew the line at dating, with fewer women in relationships saying they'd date their guy friend. The researchers next wanted ...
Sex obstructs platonic male-female friendship?Hindustan Times
Should men and women be friends?Victoria Times Colonist
'We're friends without benefits'iAfrica.com
Globe and Mail -The Asian Age
all 21 news articles »

Most men and women who are platonic friends still totally attracted to each ... - National Post


National Post

Most men and women who are platonic friends still totally attracted to each ...
National Post
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire plumbed the opposite-sex relationships of more than 400 adults, ranging in age from 18 to 52, and found attraction was both common and potentially costly. Across all but one demographic, in fact, ...
Sex obstructs platonic male-female friendship? - Lifestyle NewsSan Francisco Luxury News
'Should Men and Women Be Friends?' Wonders CanadaGawker
Friend from opposite sex may influence our relationshipNewstrack India
News Tribe (blog)
all 22 news articles »

MyBrowserCash

Link to Discover Miles Application

Looking For Royalty Free Photos for your Website, Business or Advertising?

My Life Through The Lens

BigDayOut Domain Is For Sale - $3500 For Enquiries eMail Us

© www.BigDayOut.biz 2011

home | site map | links

eXTReMe Tracker