Reflection 2: What do you wish someone had told you earlier about communication?

To my younger self (and current self if I’m being honest here) it would be don’t be afraid to speak up.  In meetings, to advocate for yourself, etc.  Because people are going to interpret silence and transfer things on you that are not always accurate representations of what you think - better to take the leap.   

Very good advice. Those feelings of doubt that hold us back from sharing, especially when we feel we don’t belong (e.g., imposter phenomenon) are very common and normal. But usually the worst thing we can do is give into those feelings and lean out. In my experience, the best thing to do is LEAN IN, just like you’re suggesting

My younger self received good advice about communication, but it took years to become humble and confident enough to live by it.

There is this Louise Penny quote that sums up most of what I believe to be important about communication.

“They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean. I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

To that, and I’m still struggling with that one, I would add: “No.”

LOVE this point. This is one of the lessons Brene Brown has really drilled into me - that hiding our weaknesses or areas we’re not expert in or worse, acting as if we know everything, inadvertently displays a great weakness. The vulnerability to say “I don’t know” doesn’t show weakness, it shows courage. 

I would tell my younger self to ‘Always believe in yourself and what you bring to the table’ and ‘Listen, Pause and Contribute’. 

You matter and what you bring to the table matters. Every person has a story and experience that has value.