Embrace Your Role: Finding Your Voice at the Table of Opportunity

A question often arises in coaching, “How do you act, and when do you communicate when you find yourself promoted and sitting at the table?” Do you wait and listen for a while before providing input, or do you share what you know when the first opportunity presents? I would share that you are there because you belong, AND you are expected to be involved and knowledgeable when the situation requires your expertise. Share your thoughts or opinions on a topic if you are asked. Find your voice early and contribute.

I had to recall and follow this guidance this past weekend while racing. Several other drivers and I were moved into a different racing group with faster cars and different racing experiences. My first thought was to sit back and see how the group interacts – and if I think I am doing okay, I’ll get in there and race them. Then it hit me: WAIT – I’m thinking about doing the opposite of what is expected of me! I am in the group for a reason, and I need to go out there and own it. Shifting that mindset at the very beginning of the weekend allowed me to go out and have one of my best weekends ever – passing others and knocking time off my personal best at the track.

Next time you wonder if you should be involved or speak up when you are brought into a new situation with senior leadership, your answer is, “Yes, I belong here and need to share my perspective.”

Written by Steven Schultze