Calling on someone who is not offering to speak can often put a pit in my stomach. I know my team, teammates, agency partners and managers. Some just don’t like to contribute in a group setting and prefer to message me on the side. Others find it difficult to get a word in with a chatty group. There are times one might feel like their perspective is so far off they’re either going to rock the boat or are missing something and don’t want it to be known.
I have empathy for all of these positions. Actually, I’ve been in all of these positions!
But if I’m not ensuring you have the opportunity to speak, I’m not going to walk away feeling like the meeting was productive. Period.
If you’ve ever been called upon unexpectedly during a meeting, know that it’s not an attempt to put you on the spot, but rather a strategic move to optimize our collective efforts. If I’ve asked you to be there and you’ve shown up, your opinion is important to me!
Here are the main reasons why I make it a point to call on you during meetings.
1. Your Voice Matters to Me
One of the key reasons I call on you is to make sure your voice is heard. In the fast-paced environment of meetings, it’s easy for discussions to be dominated by a few outspoken individuals. This can unintentionally sideline valuable insights and perspectives that others, like you, might bring to the table.
Inclusivity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental principle of effective innovation. By calling on you, I aim to create a balanced dialogue where diverse viewpoints are considered. Your unique perspective can offer fresh ideas or highlight potential pitfalls that others might overlook. When everyone’s voice is heard, we make more informed and well-rounded decisions.
Additionally, fostering an inclusive environment helps build confidence and encourages continuous participation. When you know that your input is valued and sought after, you’re more likely to engage actively in future discussions. This not only enhances your own professional growth but also contributes to a more dynamic and effective team.
2. Your Expertise is Invaluable
Your presence in the meeting is not by chance; it’s because you lead a function or hold a role that is critical to our company or team. I didn’t invite you to the meeting just to fill a seat. Your expertise and insights are integral to the discussions we have.
By calling on you, I’m emphasizing the importance of your contribution. Whether you’re leading a project, managing a department, or bringing specialized knowledge, your input can drive the conversation forward and help us navigate complex challenges. Your role in the meeting is to share your expertise, offer solutions, and provide guidance based on your experience and knowledge.
Active participation also ensures that the decisions we make are well-informed and reflective of all functional areas. When you share your insights, you help the team understand different aspects of a problem or opportunity, leading to more comprehensive and effective solutions. This collaborative approach not only strengthens our outcomes but also reinforces the value of each team member’s contributions.
3. I’ve Invested in Your Time
If you’re from an agency or an external partner, your time is a resource we’ve invested in. I’m not going to let that investment go to waste. Your expertise and external perspective are valuable assets that can enhance our internal discussions and drive better outcomes.
Calling on you ensures that we’re making the most of the investment we’ve made in your participation. Your external viewpoint can challenge our assumptions, introduce new ideas, and help us see opportunities or risks we might have missed.
Moreover, your active involvement in the meeting demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and partnership. It signals that we value your contribution and see you as a key player in achieving our goals. This collaborative spirit is essential for building strong, productive relationships that drive long-term success.
4. To Disagree With Me
Another important reason I call on you is that I might think your opinion differs from mine or the group. Hearing diverse viewpoints can bring more value to our decision-making process than merely reinforcing existing agreements.
When everyone in the room agrees too quickly, we risk missing out on critical analysis and innovative ideas. Your differing opinion can challenge our current thinking, push us to explore alternative solutions, and ultimately lead to better outcomes. By encouraging diverse perspectives, we can identify potential blind spots and address issues more thoroughly.
It promotes healthy debate, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a culture of openness and respect. When we embrace different opinions, we create a more robust and resilient strategy, ensuring that our decisions are well-rounded and effective.
5. I Want You to Shine
Sometimes, I already know what you’re thinking. In those moments, especially with other leaders on the call, my goal is to push you to shine. By calling on you, I’m providing an opportunity for you to showcase your expertise, build your confidence, and demonstrate your leadership skills.
This isn’t about putting you on the spot; it’s about recognizing your potential and giving you the platform to express it. Your contributions can inspire others, set a standard for excellence, and highlight your value to the team. By encouraging you to share your thoughts, I’m helping you to grow professionally and reinforcing your role as a key player in our organization.
In summary, calling on you during meetings is not a random act but a deliberate strategy to ensure inclusivity, harness your expertise, maximize the value of our collaborative efforts, enrich our decision-making with diverse perspectives, and encourage your professional growth. Your voice matters, your role is crucial, and your participation is a valuable investment. By encouraging active engagement from everyone, we create a more dynamic, innovative, and effective team.
So, the next time I call on you in a meeting, remember that it’s because I recognize the unique value you bring. Your insights, expertise, differing opinions, and potential to shine are essential to our collective success. Let’s continue to build an environment where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and every meeting drives us closer to our goals.
Leave a Reply