It may not be a regular occurrence but when you’re put on the spot in a meeting, it can be an unnerving moment. Instead of keeping your eyes down and hoping you don’t get called on, prepare for these opportunities – and make the most of them. Look through the agenda ahead of time and for each topic, make some quick notes about any questions you have and any points you might make. Trust yourself. Don’t dismiss your ideas as irrelevant or ordinary. Your ideas, questions, and views are often more unique than you think. When you respond, speak slowly and confidently and set up your comments with some context so your audience knows where you are headed. Practice set responses so you aren’t completely caught off guard. For example, it can be helpful to say “I don’t have that information but I will get it to you by 1:00 PM. Or “Here is what I’m taking away from this conversation.” And always end by asking, “Did I answer your question?” to make sure you’ve met the asker’s expectations. Of course, in these moments, don’t speak just for the sake of responding. Only take the floor if you have something of value to say in response.
“Katherine, have a go at it?” I love this scene from the 2017 movie, Hidden Figures. Katherine, played by Taraji P. Henson, is put on the spot by her boss, played by Kevin Costner, in a room filled with top brass NASA officials — all male. She is asked to go to the chalkboard and lay out the math to bring John Glenn’s space capsule out of orbit and back to Earth. This moment has all the elements of classic storytelling — something unexpected happens, something disruptive and uncomfortable — and then a memorable moment becomes a life lesson for everyone who is paying attention. Katherine steps up and displays not only her math brilliance, but also her presence — both of which would not have been revealed to the rest of the group unless she was put on the spot. In most organizations, being called out during a meeting is not the norm. It’s viewed as potentially embarrassing and, at a minimum, uncomfortable. But if it happens to you — it doesn’t have to be either. In fact, being called on can be an opportunity to make a positive impression. Google’s research on high-performing teams revealed that two things were consistently present in their meetings: broad participation and psychological safety. Calling on people — even if it feels like putting them on the spot — is critical for gaining broad participation. And as long as the group is engaged in a topic that matters and people are attentive when someone speaks, the safety will be there.
Instead of hoping your boss or the person leading the meeting won’t put you on the spot, prepare yourself for the unexpected opportunity to shine. Here’s how.
Some of life’s best moments occur when someone puts their trust in you and you rise to the challenge. Being called on in a meeting may not be a life-changing moment, but when others ask for your views, ideas, and questions, it is always an opportunity — not only to add value, but to give people a glimpse of your brilliance.
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