My lesson is to talk first, speak last, and I'll explain what I mean. It's because of our leadership positions and the influence that we have on the committees that we're serving with. What my suggestion is, is to open up all the discussions, all the conversations, without first presenting your own opinion, if at all possible. That's why I say talk first, but speak last. Bring the discussions that you're having in your committees. If you notice that a committee member's being quiet or reserved or not participating, it's up to us to draw those people out. Ask them what they think, get them involved in the conversation. Conversely to that though, and I'm sure many of us have experienced this, we may have a member on the team that is, well, dominating the discussion. Now we need to be a little artful in our approach and tactfully pivot to another member of the team so that all of those at the table or in Zoom land have the opportunity to have their say.

Finally, after everyone has had their opportunity to contribute, to speak, to discuss, and to converse, it's important that as leader we restate what we think we heard to make sure that we have captured the essence of the conversation. And assuming we have, at that time it's our turn to speak and that we can weigh in with our own thoughts and making sure that as leadership that we're keeping everybody focused and on track.