What’s said might not be the problem when it comes to better conversations and collaborations. It might be addressing why things are being left unsaid.
W.A.I.T. has become a popular tool to boost conversation skills and help people be more thoughtful and intentional with their contributions. W.A.I.T is an acronym that stands for “Why am I talking?”
But W.A.I.T. needs to be accompanied by another tool: W.A.I.Q.
W.A.I.Q. stands for “Why am I quiet?” or “Why are those I’m engaging with quiet?”
Is it because you or others genuinely have nothing to share or is it something else?
Is impostor syndrome getting in the way? Fear or anxiety of being seen and heard, looking silly, or being wrong? Concern about potential ramifications? Systemically silenced? A low sense of psychological safety in the group? Lack of trust that contributions truly matter? Apathy?
If we want to have better conversations and collaborations, we need to include and unleash all the participants and ensure everyone is empowered to move to a space of contribution.
