The Meeting Strategy That Made Me Look More Experienced Than I Was

Early in my career, I was constantly finding myself in rooms where I felt like I had absolutely nothing to contribute.

I was the youngest person in the meeting, often time the only woman, and most definitely the least experienced.

I’d spend the entire meeting thinking, “Don’t say anything stupid.” And that fear of sounding stupid kept me quiet more often that I’d like to admit.

Because what was I supposed to contribute?

I wasn’t the expert.

I didn’t have 20 years of experience.

Half the time I was still trying to figure out the acronyms everyone else was throwing around.

One day, my mentor noticed this, and he gave me feedback after a meeting, “Don’t ever sit through a meeting without contributing something again.”

Then he taught me one of the most valuable career and leadership lessons I’ve ever received.

He said, “Abbey, when nobody knows what happens next... pick up the pen.”

Naturally, I asked the obvious question… “Okay, but what does that mean?! Is this a metaphorical pen… or a real one??”

His answer?

It’s both.