Hey there, word nerds and fellow communicators! It’s finally April, and while the cherry blossoms might be blooming, let’s face it, our conversations sometimes feel a little… barren.
Especially when one person seems determined to be the only tree in the orchard, leaving everyone else thirsting for a chance to share.
The other day, I stumbled upon something that made me realize I could write a part two of the article about leadership I published last year. Haven’t read it yet? You can catch up here ;) Leaders.
What particularly caught my attention is the phenomenon known as the babble effect. Though I’d never heard the term before, it suddenly dawned on me that I was well aware of its existence, just without a name yet!
Let’s see if it rings a bell for you: Ever been in a group discussion where the person who talks the most ends up being seen as the leader, even if their ideas aren’t the strongest?
Here’s the gist: Research suggests that we tend to associate talking a lot with confidence and leadership. In group settings, individuals who speak more often are perceived as more likely to be leaders, regardless of the quality of their contributions.
This was explored in a study by Neil MacLaren et al. published in 2020 here: The Leadership Quarterly. The study found that simply speaking more frequently led participants to view someone as a leader, even if their contributions weren’t particularly insightful.
We’ve all likely seen this in action. I’ve even witnessed it firsthand at work on numerous occasions. People who excel at self-promotion, always eager to organize initiatives and dominate conversations, sometimes get chosen for leadership roles or even hailed as company role models.
However, in reality, their actual skills and contributions might not match up to those of their quieter colleagues. This can lead to missed opportunities, a less effective team overall, and even career progressions.
But here’s the glimmer of hope: social skills, like any other, can be learned and practiced. For introverts or shy individuals, this means there’s room for growth and development in navigating group dynamics and communication.
So, what can we do about the babble effect?
Introducing the “Participation Architect” approach:
Icebreaker questions: Picture this - we kick off meetings with some juicy icebreaker questions, usually spiced up with a meme or two. None of that boring yes or no stuff. These questions make us all ponder a bit deeper before blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. It’s like giving our quieter pals a chance to shine.
Round Robin technique: Remember those dreaded round-robin discussions from university? Well, in this setting, it’s not so bad! Everyone gets a turn to throw in their two cents, no matter if you’re the big boss or the newbie. It’s like musical chairs for ideas, ensuring everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
Parking Lot strategy: Ever had a brilliant idea pop up in your head mid-meeting, but it didn’t quite fit the conversation? That’s where the parking lot comes in. We jot down those gems in a designated spot, digital or physical, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle. It’s a nod to everyone’s input, even if it’s not the main event right now.
Now, onto “The Afterthought” power moves:
Post-meeting follow-up: After the dust settles from our lively discussions, we send out a quick recap of the key points and action items. But here’s the kicker - we open the floor for anyone who felt like they didn’t get a chance to speak up during the meeting. No pressure, just a chance to share your thoughts after the fact.
Anonymous Feedback Channel: We’ve got this cool anonymous feedback channel set up, kind of like a suggestion box but digital. It’s a safe space for folks to share their perspectives without worrying about judgment. Real talk: it’s been a game-changer in pinpointing where the babble effect might be throwing us off track.
And last but not least, let’s shine a light on those unsung heroes:
Giving kudos: It’s not all about the loudest voices in the room. We make a point to publicly shout out our colleagues for their unique strengths, whether it’s killer listening skills, insightful written contributions, or the knack for breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces.
So, next time you’re in the midst of the babble effect, remember these tricks. Together, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic space where the best ideas, not just the loudest voices, take center stage. Got any other tricks up your sleeve? Drop ‘em in the comments!
And for those who are more introverted or shy, remember, social skills are just that—skills. They can be learned and practiced, so don’t lose hope.