10 ways to deal with quiet people

Just because someone is quiet, doesn’t mean they don’t have some great ideas and strengths for your organization.

Here are ten suggestions on how to deal with quiet people from the “Leadership Freak”.  Good stuff:

1. Honor their strengths. Never say, “Oh, they’re quiet,” like it’s a disease.
2. Respect their ability to commit. When they’re in, they’re really in.
3. Give them prep time. Don’t spring things on them.
4. Don’t assume silence is disagreement or consent. Just don’t assume.
5. Enjoy silence. Give them space by closing your mouth.
6. Ask questions, after you’ve given them think-time.
7. Invite feedback one-on-one rather than in groups.
8. Walk with them after meetings and ask, “What’s going through your mind?” The walking part is important.
9. Create quiet environments. Quiet people often enjoy quiet places.
10. Let them work alone. Stop demanding group work.

Read more here…