Courage Is Speaking Up, In Service!

Sometimes it can be hard to speak up in a meeting or group. If the group is big, people will usually talk over or interrupt. Sometimes you’re in a meeting for a meeting’s sake, and there isn’t much to contribute. Other times, people are so focused on drawing attention to themselves that they miss that others are not contributing to the conversation.

In these situations, I sometimes feel anxious. It’s easy to write off others as people who don’t care or listen. But you show leadership in these movements by speaking up for yourself and others in the group.

Why is this leadership needed? Because sometimes the quietest folks are the ones with the best ideas. 

I once worked on a software project with around 30 stakeholders: business folks, in-house technologists, consultations, operators, and folks from international markets.

As we were working through requirements for this system, I would play a game called “who hasn’t said anything yet?”

It was a good thing because as some of the more talkative folks were getting into an argument, I noticed one of the folks who would be using the system red in the face and crossed-armed. 

So I interrupted this discussion and said, why don’t we ask the person who lives this every day and will use our system.”

When the gentleman spoke, we found we were focused on the wrong thing and needed to change directions. The “argument” wasn’t revenant, and we were wasting time. We had saved tons of time and avoided a costly path BECAUSE we created space for the quietest guy to talk.

Creating space for people to speak up is one power of introverted leaders. And even though it was hella uncomfortable for me to interrupt an argument, I reminded myself that my purpose on the project was to make sure the project was successful. For the project to be successful, we needed everyone’s input. So I spoke up.

So many introverts don’t speak up because they are afraid of embarrassing or drawing attention to themselves. Sometimes they are processing and are ready to speak 15 minutes after the conversation has moved to another subject.

Speaking up or rewinding the conversation takes some courage.

So how can we cultivate the courage to lead more effectively as introverted leaders?

1.  The three fears - process, outcome, loss
2.  Social Observations - Some extroverts miss other people when they talk
3.  Create Space For Others To Breath
4.  Focus On The Mission

Ultimately, your leadership in service to others can help you take more bold action - like interrupting or speaking up.