Sometimes we just need to learn to shut up. We have all this excitement, energy, enthusiasm elevating our ego and we want to emphasize all of our many points. However, we could get so much further by just saying nothing. I learned this lesson recently. Today, I set out to accomplish many things. I mostly got overwhelmed by my children. Basketball practice, college applications, part time uber driver (not paid). I was able to get a few things on the commitment list accomplished. I got my running in, training in, financial review done and several work related items. Recently, I decided to try a non verbal ploy to make my point. No communication whatsoever, just a quiet protest. As it turns out, that act had a widespread impact on people. Days later, I am having conversation about “what I said” when in reality I said nothing at all. Interesting.
Today on a call, I worked with someone who had a great meeting. They got all they wanted, but then at the very end, decided to throw in a few more arguments and took the conversation a different direction. All the progress was lost by saying too much.
So less is more. Just shut up and perhaps you will get what you want.
Guy