Surviving Meetings: A Crash Course in Not Saying Too Much

Ever been in a meeting and felt a sudden urge to barge in, even when your contribution is not 2 cents?

Well, I haven’t shown that urge yet. But at times, I have received very mediocre inputs in collaboration meetings. In fact, many times I saw some making decisions for my work than offering ideas. So, I have penned down a quick guide on “Surviving Meetings: A Crash Course in Not Saying Too Much” to help those who tend to make final judgments on behalf of everyone.

Here’s a cheat sheet for you to help you navigating those deep waters:

The Sound of Silence: You don’t always need a grand speech. Please unburden yourself from an obligation to add ‘something’. If your thoughts align with the prevailing wisdom, save everyone the trouble — nod, smile, appreciate or simply master the art of saying “mhm.”

Question (Politely): Instead of showcasing your vast wisdom, ask questions. The other person might possess more insights or intelligence on the matter. Adding questions is equivalent to adding contribution. It’s like contributing without the risk of sounding like a know-it-all Genius, right?

Opinions: Keep them on a Leash: Know the difference between sharing your opinion and critiquing. If no one’s asked for your two cents, save it for a time when…