Are you afraid to speak up in business meetings? Do you feel insights you’d share would be discounted?
You may find yourself grappling with hidden scripts of doubt and fear. Perhaps you are overly sensitive to others’ reactions and compare yourself to your peers, leading you to doubt your contributions and conceal your true feelings.
It’s time to learn how to overcome feelings of inadequacy. To help you confront self-doubt and make your contributions count in meetings, learn from four strategic approaches shared by Sabina Nawaz in a Harvard Business Review article. These techniques can be applied in various contexts and help you sidestep your insecurities at the moment.
One effective strategy is to claim space with an announcement. Instead of blending into the background, start by announcing your contribution before delving into your subject. By capturing people’s attention and framing your concept, you not only ensure your ideas are heard but also help steer the discussion in a focused direction.
Another powerful technique is to name your idea. By giving your point of view a name, you anchor yourself and provide a clearer structure to your thoughts. This naming process helps you stand out, brings more weight to your contribution, and can even be shared with a touch of humor to alleviate tension.
Once you have announced and named your idea, it’s important to articulate its essence. Share the skeleton of your proposal, explaining why it is important and why it matters now. Highlight the relevance and timeliness of your idea to capture your audience’s attention and create momentum.
Lastly, when doubts start creeping in, actively seek feedback from your colleagues. By explicitly inviting their thoughts and perspectives, you encourage a deeper engagement with your ideas. Open-ended questions foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment, enabling others to appreciate and delve into your contributions.
Self-doubt can often be a barrier to personal and professional growth. By taking external actions and implementing strategic approaches, you can break free from the cycle of self-criticism and make room for their creativity and unique perspectives. So, the next time you find yourself doubting your worth, remember to claim your space, name your ideas, explain their importance, and invite feedback. Embrace these strategies and unlock your true potential.
Remember, your ideas matter, and with the right tools, you can confidently contribute and make a difference.
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