Value the Quiet Ones

I remember getting feedback from a colleague once that I was too quiet in a meeting.

I was new the team and the dynamics were even newer to me. I pride myself on listening first when I enter new setting because I’ve rushed to formulate opinions in the past and it frustrated my learning. This was – maybe – my second meeting with the team, and I was still navigating the expectations of my new role and formulating the basis for a strategic plan that would chart the course of my part of the organization for the next five years. Her advice felt urgent and somewhat frantic as if speaking – no matter what I said – was more valuable than thought.

I keep this quote close as a reminder of the quiet power of deliberation and intention.

Reflection is an action word. Value the quiet ones.