One Meeting Minute Thought for Your Week
You may think CEOs can only impact a meeting when they speak.
But this isn’t the case.
In fact every leader, including you, has a tool that is surprisingly more powerful than their voice.
It’s your silence.
Most leaders talk a lot during meetings – usually too much.
And, this behavior is dangerous because it often decreases the effectiveness of the meeting.
This is especially true if you’re the leader with the highest rank in the room.
Because when you speak, others often won’t. Or, they’ll only agree with you.
To be an exceptional leader, use your silence.
In fact, use it more often than your voice.
You’ll get more from your team.
Talk less. Listen more.
This old saying applies to all of us regardless of our position in the organization.
“You have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.”
If you do happen to be a CEO or at a high level in your business and still believe it’s your job to talk more than you listen, consider this advice from Rachel Rodgers.
Rachel is an intellectual property attorney, business coach, author, and the founder and CEO of HelloSeven – a company with the mission to teach clients how to increase their income, build wealth, and earn 7 figures per year—without sacrificing their family, health, or sanity in the process.
Rachel was a guest on Nathan Barry’s Art of Newsletters podcast and gave this advice for leaders in meetings by sharing what works for her.
Here’s what she said:
“Don’t come to every meeting. And, just start going to meetings and not talking.
I have this post-it, “Stop Talking In Meetings” that I keep on my desktop because all last year, that was my mission. Let other people lead.”
That’s great advice from a CEO who knows more than most about success.
Why do I say that?
Here’s the title of the podcast episode:
Rachel Rodgers – Simple & Consistent: How To Build An 8-Figure Business
Yes.
It does say “8-Figure Business”.
If she tells herself to stop talking in meetings, you might want to consider applying those wise words too.
And, if you forget, just take a glimpse in the mirror and remember.
Two ears, one mouth.
Speak up when you need to, but remember your silence is often a more powerful tool than your voice.
Even when you’re the CEO.
More Resources to Help You Build Your Career and Your Business
Here’s the link to the full conversation between Rachel Rodgers and Nathan Barry.
Rachel Rodgers – Simple & Consistent: How To Build An 8-Figure Business
On my website, I have several related blog posts that cover some of the subtle dangers that come with being a respected leader.
✅ “3 Powerful Ways To Disagree When You Agree” discusses how quick consensus may seem positive at first, but may be preventing your team from performing at their best.
✅ “How to Keep Your Team From Being Just Like You” explores ways to prevent simply cloning an admired leader.
✅ “A Hidden Danger Of Being A Respected Leader. How To Avoid This Trap” In this post I explain how dangerous it can be when the people you lead do what you do.
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That’s All for this Issue
You may not be the CEO or even at a high level in your company, but you still have influence.
And, even if you don’t recognize it, people are paying attention to what you say.
Some may not want to share their perspective in a meeting if it differs from yours.
They may hesitate to speak out of respect for you or for other reasons based on positive intent. But, they limit their own positive contribution to the meeting as a result.
Pay attention to dynamics like these when you’re in meetings and consider if you can have more impact on a meeting by speaking or by remaining silent.
Sometimes saying less will impact a meeting more.
Let’s lead with kindness and confidence!
Greg
Here are 3 ways I can help you when you’re ready:
- Get more free resources you can use today (Click here to Start)
- Improve on your own with digital courses (Click here to Improve)
- Accelerate your progress with coaching (Click here to Accelerate)
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