Speak Up! 5 Reasons Why People Don't Contribute at Meetings

So many of our meetings are dominated by a very small chorus of divas, with the rest of us, not regarded, not encouraged to contribute. Many people’s main strategy in terms of meetings is to skate by, not offer any opinions or information - not draw any unnecessary attention to themselves. And this means that a huge number of potentially enterprise-saving solutions, views and understandings are not getting to the table at all. The enterprise is impoverished as a result.

There are 5 major reasons that keep people from contributing in meetings:

1. The issue is not in the scope of my ability/my job

People allow themselves a pass on important questions in work meetings when they say they’re not able to make a judgment. But most questions that businesses face on a daily basis are not ones in which judgments are made, but instead, are focused on solution generation in response to real time experience. It is not a question of agreeing on what the problems are, its a deficit in ideas on how to fix the problems. And doing so demands the participation of a large variety of voices. Anything that directly impacts the enterprise’s outlook, is within the purview of every employee of that enterprise. Every voice counts. More people need to feel like citizens of the enterprise. More enterprises need to treat employees like citizens.

2. It won’t matter if I don’t offer my ideas. They already have a lot to think about. My ideas are not important

It pains me when I hear someone express this attitude towards themselves. Sometimes, unfortunately, the environment of the enterprise encourages this line of thinking. Many people have trouble properly valuing themselves, for a variety of reasons. Work environments that make employees feel valued are more likely to function well in a crisis, as well as work better in an everyday way. An integral part is valuing each person’s contribution. And to those who have trouble valuing themselves - let me just say - been there. If you are someone who thinks that your opinions are not important, you know you’re not truly engaged, and you therefore harm the enterprise by with holding your ideas and visions. Get any help you need to correct this misperception of your role and its importance. How can you know whether your ideas are important or helpful if you don’t share them?

3. Many people lack the skills and the confidence necessary to “jump in."

Meetings can move very swiftly, especially when a very small number of people are doing the vast majority of talking. It’s as if they’re performing and everyone else is there to play the audience. If you’re not someone who has a history of sharing in meetings, doing so might look so intimidating, that it seems wiser just to let it go. But all one needs to think of, are lunchtime table conversations from high school, because they follow the same rules as corporate meetings. The stalwarts march out immediately and begin to offer whatever comes to mind - and a quick back and forth is established - like volleying in tennis. Perhaps a third and fourth voice push themselves in and stay in. That’s what it takes. There’s no graceful method to push your way in to a corporate meeting. If you wait for a moment of silence, none will come. Even if one does, of the the 4 main players will grab it up. So give yourself permission to be brash and loud and direct. Getting into the conversation is the hard part, and it may be a bit awkward, but once you’re in, you’re in.

4. Many employees look at their particular job functions, and devalue them. I’m an administrative assistant. What do I have to offer?

Anyone - absolutely anyone - can take a vigorous interest in the enterprise, going beyond their actual function and feeling responsible for more than just their work. In fact, all employees at all companies should see themselves as having two major responsibilities - one for the work they are assigned and expected to do, and the other - to support the enterprise in whatever way they can. So, it doesn’t matter if your’e the sanitation engineer - you still might have a lightening bolt of an idea that really arrives right on time. It’s not about the paper you push everyday, it’s about something bigger that everyone is a part of. In many companies, there are two classes of people - those who contribute to the overall direction of the enterprise, and those who don’t. This class system just steals away vital ideas and information that will take the enterprise farther toward its goals.

5. Once burned, twice shy. If the enterprise has treated you poorly, then why should you help?

Many people with hold comments in meetings because they are simply pissed off at their employer, or because they feel burnt out, used up, or disregarded and disrespected. And all of these situations occur everyday in offices across the world. But refusing to help because you perceived your quarterly review as too harsh, just adds to the budding negativity, and it does nothing to address the problem you have with your review. We are all responsible for working out interpersonal problems in the workplace. They are unavoidable, but they should never keep anyone from making helpful contributions. Don’t bring the anger and resentment to the meeting - either deal with it before, or leave it at the door and pick it up again on your way out. Don’t let interpersonal office drama derail your investment in the enterprise.

If you see yourself in anything above, resolve to steer yourself clear of whatever it is that’s keeping you from sharing your ideas and vision for your company. Again, a multiplicity of views leads to richer solutions. You’re not a member of the audience. Speak up!