Being the only one who disagrees in a meeting is lonely for about ten seconds. Then it’s useful.

REFLECTION

WHAT THIS MEANS

The silence after you say the unpopular thing feels much longer than it is. What usually follows is somebody else admitting they had the same doubt, or a question that improves the plan, or at minimum a decision made with its weak spot visible. Groups drift toward agreement because agreement is comfortable, and the single objection is often all that stands between comfort and a bad outcome.

Say the doubt once, clearly, and attach a reason rather than a mood. Then let the group decide and back whatever they choose. Having raised it is enough; you do not need to win it.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

When did you stay silent rather than be the only objector?

MORE IN MINDSET & IDENTITY

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