[THE POWER PULSE] IF YOU'RE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS, READ THIS

Hey Powerhouse,

Let’s be real—speaking up in corporate isn’t just about confidence, it’s about strategy. The way you communicate determines whether you’re overlooked or seen as a leader.

There are three levels of speaking up in the workplace:

Level 1: Contributor (Most People Stay Here)

You answer questions when asked.

You participate, but mostly react instead of leading.

Your input is solid, but doesn’t shift the direction of discussions.

The Problem? Contributors are replaceable. If you’re not driving conversations, your presence is passive. Your voice must move beyond participation to influence.

Level 2: Thought Leader (Where You Should Aim Next)

You shape discussions instead of just responding to them.

You introduce new insights others haven’t considered.

You connect dots across teams, priorities, and business objectives.

How to step into this level: Stop just answering questions. Instead, ask strategic questions that shift thinking.

Try this in your next meeting: ❌ “I agree with that point…” ✅ “One thing we haven’t considered is ___. How does that impact our approach?”

This small shift forces decision-makers to re-evaluate their assumptions and positions you as a strategic thinker.

Level 3: Influencer (Where Leaders Play)

Your words move people toward action.

You steer discussions without dominating them.

Your input shifts business decisions.

At this level, you don’t just share ideas—you make them unavoidable. You’re not fighting to be heard—leadership starts looking to you for guidance.

How to Elevate to Influencer Status:

Frame Your Ideas in a Way That Leadership Cares About.

Tie everything to business impact, revenue, risk reduction, or strategic priorities.

Instead of: “This initiative will be well-received by employees,” Say: “This will improve retention by __%, reducing turnover costs.”

Use my “Seed and Echo” Method. Introduce your idea before the meeting in casual conversations with decision-makers. That way, when it comes up, it already has backing.

Master the Power of Speaking Last. Influential people don’t rush to speak. They listen first, absorb the room, then deliver a powerful, well-timed insight that reframes everything.

Why? Because the last voice in a discussion shapes the takeaway.

Most people wait for an invitation to step up. You don’t need one. Move from Contributor to Thought Leader this week by shifting from answering to leading.

I promise your career will follow.

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Harness YOUR power,

Coach Chi