| You asked a question. Nobody answered.🦗 Does that mean everyone agrees? Not necessarily. Leaders often assume silence means agreement, but people stay quiet for many reasons. Some need time to process, while others may feel uncomfortable disagreeing, worry about looking uninformed, or question whether their input matters. When people don’t speak up during the meeting, those unanswered questions often become hallway conversations afterward. 😬 A recent Forbes article, Why “Does Anyone Have Any Questions?” Rarely Gets Honest Answers, points out that when leaders ask for questions at the end of a meeting, employees may feel the decision is already final, and speaking up can feel like challenging it. And here’s something else worth thinking about: People remember how the leader responded the last time someone questioned a decision. Did the leader become defensive, dismiss the concern, or genuinely welcome another perspective? Here are a few simple ways to encourage more honest conversations: Ask better questions. Instead of saying “Any questions?” try asking “What might we be missing?” or “Where could this create problems for your team?”Give people time to think. Some process information internally and need a moment before responding. Encourage them to write down their thoughts before the discussion begins.Make it easier for employees to share feedback later. Not everyone is comfortable raising concerns in a group setting. Allow employees to follow up privately, and ensure you respond.(office hours?)Remember, asking for input is one thing. Making people comfortable enough to give it is another. Book your call now before another meeting ends in silence. ~Kathy  to: kathy@kmmdisc.comKMM Consulting, 3642 Wellsford Lane, Doylestown, PA 18902, United StatesWant to change your email preferences? Unsubscribe |
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