Like most extroverts, I am more than capable of hijacking a conversation or sucking the air out of the room. If you can relate, maybe you can get better at “Waiting.” W.A.I.T. is an acronym to remind myself to ask: Why Am I Talking?
There’s the assumption that leaders need to talk more, not less. Even leaders who aren’t extroverts might feel pressured to fill the voids of silence.
If you struggle with this, ask yourself after a conversation or a meeting: Who was talking more? How can I get others talking more? Did I need to share my ideas or can others come to their own conclusions? Am I helping or hurting the group’s ability to think through something? How can I best participate without talking?