One key takeaway here is that imposter syndrome thrives in these environments, and we often let it silence us. But when we realize that even the most ‘powerful’ people have their own vulnerabilities , it becomes easier to find our voice in these spaces.
As Sam Wright suggests, asking yourself, "Who better than you?" can change your mindset. After all, your experiences, perspective, and voice are just as valuable, regardless of the status of the person sitting across from you.
We self silence when it's not necessary and it's costly to others as well as our potential and future. We can encourage each other to "find our voice in these spaces."
And yes, "your experiences, perspective, and voice are just as valuable, regardless of the status of the person sitting across from you."
These are good points and takeaways, Janette. Thank you for the time you took to read, think about and respond. When someone (you) leaves a comment like this, it's one more repetition to help me learn better.
I love this. And it's a great reminder. In fact, I had an idea similar to this in my queue for Communications Theory - the idea that, in my experience, the people with the biggest titles are often the most insecure at the table. They've just gotten good and covering it up. Think about it, they have the most responsibility, the most at stake, and the biggest reputation to uphold. That can generate a lot of insecurity. They have a lot more to lose than most of us!
"... in my experience, the people with the biggest titles are often the most insecure at the table. They've just gotten good and covering it up. Think about it, they have the most responsibility, the most at stake, and the biggest reputation to uphold. That can generate a lot of insecurity."
I'd definitely read that, Jeff! And share it too because I think this might surprise a lot of people.
I think we all face this concept that we don't belong and some stay paralyzed from it their entire lives.
It does affect so many of us. We hold ourselves back. What Barack Obama and Melinda French Gates said are what we need to hear and believe.
One key takeaway here is that imposter syndrome thrives in these environments, and we often let it silence us. But when we realize that even the most ‘powerful’ people have their own vulnerabilities , it becomes easier to find our voice in these spaces.
As Sam Wright suggests, asking yourself, "Who better than you?" can change your mindset. After all, your experiences, perspective, and voice are just as valuable, regardless of the status of the person sitting across from you.
Have a good weekend, Michael.
We self silence when it's not necessary and it's costly to others as well as our potential and future. We can encourage each other to "find our voice in these spaces."
And yes, "your experiences, perspective, and voice are just as valuable, regardless of the status of the person sitting across from you."
You have a good weekend too, Neela.
And the cycle begins again - Happy New Week Michael
Some great points here.
I particularly like:
"If you have ... a good idea, make sure to bring it up ...."
It doesn't work in every situation but, after bringing up an idea, I also like to add, "What do you think?"
– It shows you are 'of the group' and not just pushing your own perspective
– It's a chance to have your idea reinforced, or at least aired more thoroughly
– Sometimes, when people ask for more detail, it allows you to expand (without appearing to 'seize the floor')
All of these things can build even more confidence for next time.
These are good points and takeaways, Janette. Thank you for the time you took to read, think about and respond. When someone (you) leaves a comment like this, it's one more repetition to help me learn better.
My pleasure.
I love this. And it's a great reminder. In fact, I had an idea similar to this in my queue for Communications Theory - the idea that, in my experience, the people with the biggest titles are often the most insecure at the table. They've just gotten good and covering it up. Think about it, they have the most responsibility, the most at stake, and the biggest reputation to uphold. That can generate a lot of insecurity. They have a lot more to lose than most of us!
"... in my experience, the people with the biggest titles are often the most insecure at the table. They've just gotten good and covering it up. Think about it, they have the most responsibility, the most at stake, and the biggest reputation to uphold. That can generate a lot of insecurity."
I'd definitely read that, Jeff! And share it too because I think this might surprise a lot of people.