Too many brilliant women are holding back in meetings, not because they have nothing to say and not because they lack ideas, but because they’ve learnt to be careful.
For many, it seems that speaking up can be risky.
The risk of being judged, getting it wrong, being interrupted or even being dismissed is so great that over time silence becomes a strategy. Silence becomes a way to stay safe.
I was shocked at a statistic I came across from LeanIn.org that says that only 38% of women say they always speak up in meetings, compared to 62% of men.
As a leader, your voice is not optional.
Decisions will be made, with or without your input. The question is, will your insights, ideas and influence be part of the decision-making process.
Speaking up when it matters is leadership.
It may be naming what others can’t quite articulate yet, bringing clarity to complex issues or challenging the direction of the conversation when something doesn’t sit right. I’ve watched women shift the entire direction of a conversation with a single, well-timed comment, question or insight.
When women contribute their thinking, not loudly, not perfectly, just clearly their credibility blossoms.
So, if you’re aiming for senior leadership, speaking up is critical for your visibility.
As I said earlier, decisions impacting you, your work or your team will be made, and if you’re in the room, will your perspective help shape those decisions?
Speak up and make sure they do!