There are quiet people in the room who may have incredible observations, but they may hesitate to say anything that goes against senior people in the room.

Give People Time to Write First

My starting point would be to offer more than one way to contribute. I would give people time to write first. Then break them into pairs. That smaller setting has a magical way of changing the whole dynamic.

The person who needs time to think gets it. The creative leader whose idea is still forming has space to work it out. The colleague who sees a problem but is unsure how it will land with someone more senior can test it in a safer setting before the whole room hears it.

Ask Senior People to Listen Before Interpreting

And then I would open things up to a wider discussion. Even then, I would ask the senior people in the room to listen first before offering their interpretation. This is where my interests in facilitation and coaching meet.

I care about helping people bring their voices forward, and helping leaders create room to receive them.

An Invitation to Speak Is Not Enough

I want more than an invitation to speak. I want a few different ways for people to bring their experience into the conversation. Private reflection, a pair conversation, and then a wider discussion.

When you design a conversation this way, you're considering who might find it difficult to enter. And you're building a path for them.

If you're looking for workshops or coaching that support fuller participation from your creative leaders and teams, reach out.

This is my first post here. More to come soon.