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Houston downtown JW vs Westin.. Thoughts?
Anyone take SHRM? How many hours did you study?
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Remind yourself - it’s room full of consultants and people who are paying for those consultants
Study more. And learn HOW to think. Ask more questions. Dont be afraid of not knowing things. Read 30 min per day and you’ll be shocked how many books you finish per year.
Also 2 books for thinking better: read the Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli and also The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
thanks
It’s called hyper-self-monitoring - look it up!
Honestly, just letting go is the key. The more you worry, the more your brain freezes up and it literally becomes impossible to be yourself and contribute.
Don’t worry, consulting has a way of doing that to people. Contrary to popular opinion, consulting is not a high performing environment, it’s a burnout inducing environment. If we actually had talented leaders they’d realize and change this and get much better outcomes.
Interesting, thank you!
Pro
Stop caring what other people think. You assume they think you are dumb so you feel dumb. Screw them. You know just as much as they plus more.
Pro
Get some pointers from your EM or manager about the meeting you’re attending. Discuss with them the objective of the meeting and think about what questions you can ask or suggestions you might have based on the information you learn.
Listen for the good ideas and take credit for them later.
These and other executive ideas are available in my newsletter.
Structure will help with clarity. Read Cracked: think like top strategy consultants. Read widely. The Economist will give global POV.
Also, interesting people are interested. Probe, question, tighten.
Second this. Ask follow up questions and keep people talking and they’re more likely to have a positive opinion of you even if you don’t contribute.
Why do you have to say anything? Listen and learn
You just need more experience. With time you will see they aren’t any smarter than you.
admiration and aspiration help me cope with sometimes feeling like the dumbest in the room
pick out someone in that room who you think is absolutely incredible and start paying extra close attention to them, you’ll notice they’ll eventually make small minor mistakes and it reminds you that even though you think they’re amazing they’re human too
that keeps you grounded and then I think about how id love to have some of their skill sets or how they talk or whatever it is they have and think about how you can reach their level too
This sounds bad - but my recommendation is always sit and take DETAILED notes. Don’t try and say anything at first. Ok if you don’t understand what you’re writing BUT take the time after to try and put it together. And after a while, you’ll start to get a feel for how the people around you conduct conversations, you’ll pick up on trends, and you’ll be able to push the thinking. I’m sure you’re very smart - give yourself the space to learn and grow. Don’t put the pressure on yourself so early.
If you put in the work to deeply understand what’s going on around you, I guarantee you’ll be leading these meetings in a matter of weeks!
My 2 cents: Do your homework but also if called on start by regurgitating what has already been said. It will keep your presence in the room and eventually will help you warm up to speaking up. Each time you do it your own thoughts will then automatically start spilling out as well.
It's alright to feel dumb and not to have any ideas on that moment. But when you are asked to speak and suggest give your best shot whatever you have understood from the discussion
You are the only people who is not acting there…
Keep quiet. Better to be considered an idiot than to speak up and prove them right. On a more serious note, just pay attention when more creative people are dreaming up ideas - maybe your strength is in delivery.
It might not be a problem, depends on your level and experience tbh - I don’t expect a junior to be actively involved in senior ideation sessions. you’ll automatically build that muscle as you go up
Before going into any meeting you should know the agenda topics. You should do some homework going in.
Is it that you don't have anything to contribute, or are you anxious and believe that you don't have anything to contribute? Best advice, if it is the anxiety angle, ask a question. People feel appreciated when they get to explain something that they feel passionate about. "Can you please explain X to me?" Then you can add, "Would adding Y to the process lower our costs?" Foot in the door and other people will also acknowledge that you are there. Best I've got. Good luck
Yes I wish someone could explain X to me. Seems like a cesspool of hate.
I felt like you did when I first started in consulting. The thing is my technical background keeps me from speaking just to speak, but rather constructing a vision based on what everyone else is throwing at the board and ensuring what I will say will be impactful. I’ve noticed there is value in not being the loudest person but having great break through points or critical themes you notice. Every meeting needs an observer, someone thinking critically about the discussion at hand
When you are early in your career, older colleagues don’t expect you to know everything. Speak when it’s appropriate and in stay in your lane where you can bring value. Listen, learn and expand your knowledge and competencies over time. Remember that speaking isn’t always required. As Mark Twain said “"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." You don’t seem to be a fool.