When working with young leaders, I often encounter questions about how to speak up in a meeting where people of senior authority are present. It’s a classic situation that at some point or another we have all encountered. How do we speak up in a room where we feel we could be or will be judged? How do we find our true voice? Especially when the judgment we may encounter is not merely from others in the room, but also our own inner critic?
My advice today is not for those learning to speak up.
It for the Senior Authorities in the room.
Create a safe space.
I repeat: CREATE A SAFE SPACE.
Encourage team members, and burgeoning leaders to speak up.
Ask them, by name, what they think.
Give them time to answer.
Give them a heads up before the meeting and let them know you want their opinion on a specific matter.
Get them coaching.
Give them a space to grow into their voice.
When they do speak up–praise them, thank them.
Mentor them.
Most of all, be mindful of your tone and your physical posture when you do these things.
Life in the corporate sector doesn’t have to be like Shark Tank.
Instead, it can be like some great street art I saw recently in Sint Maarten saying: “Life is an aquarium we all need to swim in.” I heartily encourage you to keep the waters warm and safe while people in your organization are learning to navigate the waters. You may be surprised at how quickly they adapt and flourish.
