As a leader should you speak first or last in a meeting? I see many leaders feel the urge to speak first. Don’t do this, here’s why.
I see significant benefits in speaking last as a leader, and here’s why.
This is the only way you don’t provide the “correct” answer upfront and thereby overshadow everyone else’s opinions. If you do not start with your viewpoint, you allow others to express their thoughts.
This is also how you include all voices – you ask everyone’s opinion.
However, to ensure that opinions remain truly independent and aren’t overshadowed by the loudest voices on your team, consider using brainwriting. I described this technique in another post – Brainwriting: How To Hear Everyone During Brainstorming.
So, speak last and you’ll have ample information to make better decisions.
Try this and see if it proves helpful for you.