You're struggling to make a decision in a team meeting. How can you ensure your ideas are heard and valued?

One thing I've learned from team meetings is that timing and clarity are key. Say you're in a meeting and your idea feels overshadowed. Don't wait. Jump in early with a clear, concise pitch. I've found that structuring your points with a quick story or analogy makes them memorable. Like in sports, timing your play is crucial. When tension rises, inject a bit of humor to lighten the mood and draw attention back to your idea. Remember, being heard is about confidence and clarity, not just volume.

Most people think being heard means speaking louder. I am guilty of that biased behaviour on way too many occasions. But often, the best way to have your ideas valued is to position them as intriguing questions. People can't resist an exciting challenge; it's human nature to want to answer it. So, instead of saying, 'I think we must do this,' try 'What if we tried this approach?' Curiosity is far more contagious than assertion or forceful alignment. Finally, when was the last time you guaranteed any result? Make your point direct and outcome-oriented, and then give a '100% guarantee'- like: 'This will make a difference, or I'll handle the next steps myself.' Show that you're committed, and they'll pay attention. Good luck!

To promote mutual respect and position your ideas as integral to the team’s success: ➢Speak Clearly and Confidently: Present your ideas concisely, focusing on key points. ➢Connect to Team Goals: Link your ideas to the team’s objectives, highlighting their impact. ➢Invite Feedback: Show openness to others' input, fostering collaborative discussion. ➢Acknowledge Other Contributions: Value others’ ideas as well, building a supportive exchange.

Qualitative and timely meetings are essential to the communication and decision process. Meeting participants should be limited to those committed to the situation and in charge of deciding or executing it. In that sense, every participant must speak up. The other impacted people don't need to participate in meetings, receive the minutes, and potentially leverage their team's management to provide valuable insights. They also have the opportunity to "speak up" in the preparation phase. Many meetings can be replaced by structured and purposeful short notes or emails, provided you double your communication with an in-person discussion to ensure your words make a mark. There are many ways to speak up.

To ensure your ideas are heard and valued in a team meeting: 1. **Be Prepared** Come with well-researched points and data to support your ideas. 2. **Engage Others** Encourage team members to share their thoughts, creating a collaborative atmosphere. 3. **Use Active Listening** Show genuine interest in others' opinions to foster respect and openness. 4. **Speak Confidently** Present your ideas clearly and assertively to convey conviction. 5. **Request Feedback** Ask for specific input on your ideas to involve others and validate your contributions.

To make sure my ideas are valued, I prepare key points backed by relevant data and examples, often offering a clear outline of benefits. I actively participate and choose moments to share input constructively, supporting others’ ideas when aligned. This approach ensures my contributions are recognized while fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

In a team meeting, the key to ensuring your ideas are heard is through active listening. When I worked on an inventory optimization project, I employed the Active Listening technique to first understand others’ points of view before sharing my insights. This not only built trust but also ensured that when I did speak, my ideas were valued. Listening to feedback and acknowledging others' perspectives makes your contributions more impactful. For further reading, "The Art of Active Listening" by Heather R. Younger can help refine this skill. Think of it like passing the ball in a game—you can’t score if you don’t know where your teammates are! 🏀👂 Do follow for more insights like this! ♻️

One thing I’ve learned is addressing skepticism or objections effectively can transform potential pushback into a strength for your proposal. When you acknowledge opposing viewpoints and incorporate them thoughtfully, it shows you’re prepared, open-minded, and committed to thorough problem-solving. This approach not only enhances your proposal but also strengthens your leadership presence, as it demonstrates that you value input and are prepared for real-world implementation. In doing so, you cultivate a collaborative environment where ideas are tested, refined, and ultimately supported with greater confidence.

This case appears to say that each team member has equal input. If this case is the execution of an already agreed upon strategic initiative, it will have an owner, a date to be completed and budget required to get it done. With client teams and Boards I have served, we have done the following; 1. Discussion and alignment is needed and sought. 2. Consensus does not mean a 100% agreement. 3. It means that support will be given to the owner of the initiative since he or she will be accountable for results. 5. This is important because on another issue, you may be the one who needs support to proceed. 7. If it is a matter of principle, stay in the fray and hold your position. 8. If it is a matter of preference, give it up, and move on.