Hi, it's Miriam. 

 

Welcome back to the At Work Tune Up, your insider’s playbook with practical, quick, tips on how to improve your team dynamics and keep things happy and healthy at work.

 

We spend a lot of time at work. We should love what we do.

 

 

 

Many teams treat silence as agreement. Healthy teams know better.

 

When people stop talking, it’s usually not because they agree. It’s because they likely assume their opinion doesn't count, won't be heard, or they may just be unsure of what to say. Great leaders learn to listen for what isn’t being said.

 

Before closing a conversation, dig deeper into the silence. Here's a good place to assume; assume there’s more to discuss.

 

 

Pause before ending a discussion and say, “Let’s pressure-test this.”

Ask one direct question: “What concerns haven’t we said out loud yet?”

 

Go around the room and invite each person to share, especially the quieter ones.

 

Before ending one meeting this week, ask a question designed to uncover one more idea, and wait long enough for real answers.

 

Bonus material: Here's a Meeting Companion Checklist to help you prepare for your meetings, have the best conversation possible, and close out strong. 

 

Try it. Let me know how it goes. 

If this newsletter resonates with you, here are three more ways I can help:

I’m a teacher at heart, and love helping people get better at what they do.