I used to work in advertising. Lots of people with great ideas and things to say. If you have never been in a brainstorm with creatives, it’s a must! It was fun to hear all those ideas bouncing around, the energy flowing, the quick banter. It was fun for some. For others it was hell.
Because they were shy or their thoughts process(and their mouth) didn’t go at 100km/h. They would sit there, listening. Processing. I remember this guy Allan (not his real name). He would doodle the whole time. When the brainstorm was coming to an end he would floored us with 5 brilliant ideas. Then there was Catherine (also not her real name). She was a master at research. She would sit there, listening. Then when the brainstorm was over she would start her research. Every key word that was in the brief she would look up, to see if it would trigger something. Then, at the second meeting where everyone was presenting their first rough ideas she would have moodboards after moodboards of her research. Most of the time, everyone in the room was silent for minutes after she presented them to us.
I learned so much from these silent types. I used to be somewhere in the middle. Sometimes very vocal, other times more silent. But watching Allan and Catherine work, brought me another perspective. Sometimes, shutting up is the best course.
When you are actively observing instead of wanting to talk, you put yourself in a receptive posture. When you choose to listen or gather your thoughts, it can also bring the reflexion to a deeper level. Shutting up and taking the time to do the research gives you a broader perspective on the subject.
Also, your colleagues might respect you more. There is nothing more annoying to people than someone who talks all the time and imposes its ideas. Even if the ideas are good. Even in a brainstorming context. Brainstorming is not a contest. You don’t win any prize for having talked the most!
Sometimes, shutting up is the best course.
Where in your life can you be more like Allan or Catherine? When would it be more profitable for everyone if you followed my dad’s rule : silence is golden?
