I was enjoying a date with my little boy Jaden in a cosy coffee shop. All of sudden, our ears were invaded by a deafening din- we were sitting next to an 'overly vocal' person. My 3 years old son said with a frowning face 'he is too loud mummy; …he talks a lot…I can’t talk ». 😞
We had two choices: sit as far as we can from this person or leave the place. We ended up leaving as soon as we walked in because there was no available table for us. End of the date!
We don’t always have options!
This guy reminded me of all the " talkaholics ” I met throughout my career…
I am sure you have all come across people like this….And they can be devastating for our well-being and career...
Talented people don’t want to go to meetings where one or two people dominate the discussions. They simply start ruling over meetings and everyone else in the room goes radio salient... When this happens over and over again; people lose interest and the team becomes dysfunctional. We start missing out on new ideas and we follow blindly the agenda of one person.
I had the chance to lead projects with amazing multicultural teams . I was convinced and the system convinced me that I was an excellent project leader…Well, we’re all wrong!
I loved way too much the sound of my voice.
I used to believe it’s the best way to get across my message and move fast projects. In reality I was trying to convince my team to think what I think so I can move the project in my direction and fast!
My wake up call…My unspoken desire to know people! I had to talk less and listen more to get to know them. I started craving their perspective and ideas. When the mental switch happened; I simply felt liberated!
Sometimes leaders may feel compelled to talk the most in meetings but all they need to do is to sit back and observe.
Sometimes silence is golden.
People desire and deserve workplaces where they hear and be heard. Where they are validated and respected for their ideas.
Truly be heard is the starting point of being understood!
Great leaders are Unstoppable!
XoXo
Hindy
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