Hello Reader,

“I disagree, but I never say it out loud.” This is what I heard in a recent conversation. Imagine you’re sitting in a leadership meeting, the only woman at the table. A new strategy is being presented, and something about it doesn’t sit right with you.

You have a different perspective.

A valid one.

But you’ve been quiet before, and speaking up now feels like a risk. “What if I sound difficult? What if I’m the only one who thinks this?”

I know this feeling well. And I’ve seen it come up again and again with the women I work with.

Try the following next time (and work your way towards it) 👇

Step 1: State your position first. Say that you disagree. Then pause. Pausing is important.

Step 2: Suggest an alternative. Offer a different direction. Then pause again.

Step 3: Only then, follow it with your reasoning. Share the reasons behind your disagreement.

Why in this order?

As scientists, we’re trained to justify and explain first. We give all the context, all the data, all the reasoning, and then we get to our point.

In a meeting, people can get lost in the explanation before they even know what you’re proposing.

Lead with your opinion. THEN back it up.

I know this can be really hard, especially if you’re not used to speaking up, and especially when you’re disagreeing with a room full of people who seem aligned.

But better decisions happen when different perspectives are heard. And yours is one of them.

And if, after all of that, the consensus is still to go with the original direction?

Then commit to executing as a team. Disagreeing is important, but once a decision is made, pulling in different directions is a recipe for disaster.

Your voice is not a disruption.

It’s a contribution.

You can do it! 🙋‍♀️💪

Mareike

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P.S. Have you ever held back in a meeting and later wished you hadn’t?

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