Episode 2

full
Published on:

1st May 2024

Ep 2 - The Case of the Silent Performer

Empowering the Silent Performer: Encouraging Team Contributions

In this episode, we dive into the challenge of encouraging quiet, high-performing team members to share their thoughts. We focus on Noor, a reserved but talented software developer in Kuala Lumpur, who tends not to speak up in meetings. We discuss how important it is for leaders to recognize and adapt to cultural and personality differences that impact team dynamics.

We talk about strategies to help quieter team members share their insights, like using different ways to communicate and creating a safe space for expression. We underline the importance of viewing ideas as separate from the person sharing them. This reduces the pressure to speak up and focuses on what the contribution brings to the team.

We also highlight the value of introverted leadership and offer practical steps for leaders to help every team member offer their best, improving team learning and productivity.


00:00 Introduction: Rethinking the Goal of Speaking Up


00:21 Welcome to the Episode: The Silent Performer Dilemma


00:28 Exploring Cultural Nuances and Encouraging Open Sharing


01:51 Alternative Ways to Share Ideas Beyond Speaking Up


03:24 The Importance of Introverted Leadership and Empowerment


04:36 Innovative Perspectives on Ideas and Speaking Up


06:41 Practical Steps for Leaders to Encourage Sharing


10:54 Understanding Personality, Culture, and Effective Communication


12:20 Closing Thoughts: Actionable Steps for Leaders



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Mentioned in this episode:

I created a free cheat sheet packed with scripts, words and sentences to use in the most tricky feedback situations, like giving feedback to a new hire or to someone who thinks they are the best performer ever, but actually have some serious things to work on. Make sure you grab this right away through this link, so you can keep it at hand whenever you face any of these situations.

Say It Right

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About the Podcast

LEAD NEXT
Unpacking Leadership One Challenge at a Time
Welcome to LEAD NEXT, the podcast where leadership isn't just discussed—it's nurtured, one episode at a time.

Hey there! I'm Anna from Tomorrow College, and if you've ever felt the weight of leadership, you're in the right place. Just like in my small-town beginnings in the Netherlands, I believe everyone deserves a shot at great leadership—no matter where you start. And that's what LEAD NEXT is all about.

Picture each episode as a cozy, 10-20 minute coffee chat—just you and me—where we tackle one leadership challenge at a time. From those tricky feedback situations to steering complex team dynamics to negotiating with senior stakeholders, we're covering it all.

During my time at McKinsey and INSEAD, I experienced world-class leadership training that's often reserved for a lucky few. Now, I'm on a mission to democratize this elite level of leadership know-how because I believe in you—your potential to lead and to make a real difference. And here, on LEAD NEXT, I share all that knowledge, mixed with my personal stories and lessons I’ve cherished along the way.

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In each podcast episode we discuss one leadership situation. I'd love to hear from you if you have any challenging situations that you would like me to address in an episode. Submit your suggestions through this form:
https://listen.tomorrow.college/submission

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Welcome to the LEAD NEXT Podcast and I’m Anna from Tomorrow College. Together, we’re not just learning leadership; we’re living it. Let’s get you ready to LEAD NEXT.

About your host

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Anna from Tomorrow College

Hi, I’m Anna! Once just a girl from a small town in the Netherlands, I’ve journeyed through the lecture halls of INSEAD and the boardrooms with McKinsey. I'm now dedicating my life to bringing this elite leadership training to the leaders of tomorrow, because I truly believe the world needs better leaders. Hosting the LEAD NEXT podcast is my way of sitting down with you to explore the real challenges that many leaders face in today's world. Having worked with thousands of leaders just like, I’m here to share insights and experiences—not just to teach, but to engage with you, to support you, and to discover together how we can bring out the best in you and other leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for letting me embark on this leadership journey with you. I'll do everything I can to make sure you’re prepared to bring out your best self as you rise to LEAD NEXT.