Leadership is knowing when to speak first and when your voice would distort the room.

Speaking first anchors a discussion whether or not you intend it to, and once your view is on the table, everything after it is a response rather than an independent thought. Sometimes the room needs the anchor. Often what it needs is for you to stay quiet long enough for real positions to surface.

Decide before each meeting whether your early view would help or distort. When in doubt, ask your question first and give your answer last.