Navigating Effective Communication: Ensuring your input is valued in meetings

We have all been through that feeling where just after a meeting or an important discussion, you felt like you wanted to express and share so many things, but your voice was drowned in the chaos, or you just got lost, or there was too much noise, and there you go down the spiral of blaming yourself – “I can’t even share my inputs for a meeting. Am I really made for this job?”

It happens to so many of us one too many times. When you feel heard, acknowledged, and valued at the workplace, especially during meetings, it leads to an enhanced sense of self, a boost in motivation levels, and higher levels of engagement, amongst other things. But how do you get it right? Samvedna Care prioritizing mental health in the workplace presents strategic insights to help you feel heard in meetings and support you as you navigate through the journey of effective communication at the workplace: 

1. Prepare early:

Yes! Go through the agenda, the meeting points, and any resources, reports, or even some research points beforehand, and prepare short and crisp pointers that you would like to bring up during the meeting. Have notes, flashcards, or sticky notes ready to refer to so that you feel more in control and have a reference point for support. You could send an e-mail before the meeting about wanting to share some insights and pointers to contribute. 

2. Practice much

Sometimes the safety and comfort that you may feel with a friend, your co-worker, or your therapist may not be something you feel right away in a meeting (Well, we would be building up to it). So you may feel overwhelmed to put across your pointers or share your insights in a meeting right away. Well, you can always practice your insights and pointers with a safe and trusted person before the meeting so you would have already had space to experience the emotions you may experience while expressing your points for the first time. It could be an efficient way to get some feedback and insights too. Consider practicing these points with a friend, co-worker, or even your therapist, fostering a proactive approach to mental health in the workplace.

3. The thing about Confidence

The funny thing about confidence is that you can develop confidence only when you start to do things that you feel least confident about (read: Talking in a meeting). And it’s a journey that builds gradually. No one gets it right or perfect the first time. So give yourself that chance to speak, even with the fear, even knowing the fact that you may mess up or fumble or didn’t sound like you had imagined. At least you showed up for yourself!

4. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

It’s worth asking yourself before the meeting – “What’s the worst that would happen?”. You may fumble, mess up, or sound nervous. So what? You tried, and you have more insights on what exactly to work on. 

5. Not the last meeting!

If you found it too overwhelming this time, it’s okay! Remember, in your most difficult moments, you need support and compassion and not criticism. There’s always the next one that you could work on. Remember it’s a journey, and progress isn’t always linear. A bad meeting doesn’t mean a bad career. 

Effective communication is not just about sharing ideas; it’s about making sure your voice resonates in the professional world. Samvedna Care stresses the importance of prioritizing mental health at work, recognizing that feeling heard and valued is important for a positive workplace atmosphere.

As you step into meetings with confidence, remember that being prepared, practicing, and embracing imperfections are your pathways to success. Each meeting is a step forward, and setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow.

Give yourself the space to express your thoughts openly! You owe it to yourself more than anyone else. Remember, if you ever find yourself needing additional support, reaching out to organizations like Samvedna Care can be a valuable resource. Whether through designated channels or counselling services, know that help is readily available to ensure your well-being in the workplace. Give yourself the care you deserve. Good luck and Happy Meetings! Samvedna Care stands firm as a supporter, championing mental health in the workplace.