Speak Up & Be Heard

A barking dog will always receive attention. In today’s urban landscape, responsible dog owners cannot leave an unattended dog to bark at its will. A dog that barks is always heard.

Similarly, in the business world, a project team player always needs to participate and be heard. It can be intimidating in large conference rooms or on multiple attendee video conferences to speak up. Will you speak at the same time as another, will your voice be loud enough to be heard among others, will your commentary be favorably received, or is it best to just blend into the background?

In a recent scenario, we joined a workshop as a research contributor to the project management team for a client. We were not engaged by the client themselves. Some may refer to us an add-on or, more appropriately, a consultant to a consultant. Either way, we were at least one step removed from the paying client. Understanding our role was a vital component in choosing the right time to speak up.

When your business’s role is a supporting cast member, choosing the most opportune time to contribute is key to being heard. You can’t always lead and your contract role may be different in each case. However, that does not mean your contribution is any less important.

In our situation, we remained silent until the economic market research part of the meeting occurred. We had some recent experience in the subject matter at hand, and spoke up about the experience and how best we thought the experience could be improved. While we offered a few options, some were dismissed, but one caught the attention of the participants. Very positive conversation ensued. We spoke up and it paid off.

After the meeting was over, we were told by the Project Manager that the client commented positively about our feedback and inclusion in the meeting. As any sole proprietor knows, such positive commentary always helps reinforce why you do what you do. And working for a Project Manager that takes the team to pass along that positive feedback, is the ideal working experience.

The next time you attend a meeting in a support capacity, seek out an opportunity to make a positive and meaningful contribution. You have been included in the team for a reason. Reinforce that reason.

Be well.