When to Speak Up in a Group: A 5-Step Model
- Should I say something?
- I disagree, but let's see if someone else speaks up.
- That was a clueless remark! Why doesn't somebody say so?
- They're not seeing the bigger picture in all the back and forth debate!
Have you ever had similar thoughts at a board or staff meeting, PTA or church group, or family conference? Did you have something to add but held back because you weren't sure how your comment would be received? Did you wish later that you'd spoken or wonder why someone else hadn't?
I've had embarrassing moments speaking up in groups and seen others experience eye-rolling or harsh remarks for bringing up taboo topics. I've also seen questions, suggestions, and comments received gratefully--questions that clarified, suggestions that transformed a group debate into collaborative dialogue, and comments that summarized and helped the group see its progress and understand where it needed to go next.
Naturally, I'd rather be offering helpful, clarifying, and cogent comments. And that's where the doubt creeps in.
