Even at the highest levels of organizations, many otherwise dynamic
women struggle in meetings. Some say their voices are drowned out;
others can't find a way into the conversation at all. Their male
counterparts perceive a problem, but they tend to dismiss it as
resulting from timidity, defensiveness, lack of focus, or excessive
emotion. Drawing on interviews, surveys, and decades of work as
leadership coaches, the authors suggest steps women can take to feel
more comfortable and become more effective. Women should master the
"pre-meeting," connecting with colleagues to test ideas and gather
support; come to meetings armed with cogent comments and questions that
can move the conversation forward; keep an even keel, speaking in
measured tones and being careful not to signal frustration through
sarcasm or curtness; and move past confrontation without taking it
personally. Bosses can also help ensure that women's voices are heard,
by providing direct feedback about meeting behavior, inviting more women
to the table, and proactively pulling women into the conversation.
These changes can have profound results, enabling all team members, male
and female, to contribute to their full potential.