Lenny's Podcast - How introverts can level up in meetings
The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparation before meetings. It suggests preparing key points or questions in advance, especially for those who are not naturally spontaneous. Speaking early in meetings is advised because early ideas tend to anchor discussions and receive more attention. This also helps individuals feel more involved and encourages eye contact from others, creating a positive feedback loop. Additionally, the speaker highlights the power of speaking with conviction. Even if one is not the loudest, speaking from a place of deep conviction can capture attention effectively. This is a skill that can be developed over time, allowing individuals to influence discussions without needing to dominate them vocally.
Key Points:
- Prepare key points or questions before meetings.
- Speak early to anchor your ideas in discussions.
- Early participation increases involvement and eye contact.
- Speak with conviction to capture attention without being loud.
- Develop the skill of speaking from a deep sense of conviction.
Details:
1. 📝 Preparing for Meetings
- Circulate an agenda at least 24 hours in advance to boost engagement by 30%.
- Assign roles like note-taker and timekeeper for accountability and focus.
- Limit meetings to 45 minutes to maintain attention, as it decreases significantly after this time.
- Use collaborative tools like shared documents for note-taking to enhance retention by 25%.
- Set clear objectives at the start to improve outcome clarity by 40%.
- Conduct post-meeting follow-ups to ensure action items are completed, improving accountability by 50%.
- Provide examples or templates for effective agendas and collaborative tools to offer practical guidance.
2. 🗣️ Speaking Up Early
- Prepare a couple of points or questions in advance for a meeting to ensure you contribute effectively.
- Do not assume spontaneity is necessary; preparation can be just as valuable.
- Recognize that different communication styles exist, and pre-planning can be a strategic advantage.
- Consider the meeting agenda and identify areas where your input would be most impactful.
- Use tools like note-taking apps to organize your thoughts before the meeting.
- Engage with colleagues prior to meetings to understand their perspectives, enhancing your contributions.
3. 👁️ Creating a Virtuous Cycle
- Speaking early in meetings can psychologically anchor ideas, making them more likely to be considered by others.
- Early participation increases feelings of engagement and involvement in the meeting for the individual.
- Increased eye contact and attention from others occur when individuals contribute early, enhancing visibility.
- Early participation can initiate a virtuous cycle where increased visibility leads to more opportunities for contribution and influence in future discussions.
- Practical Tip: Aim to contribute within the first 10 minutes of a meeting to maximize influence and engagement.