The New Crop: Issue #96
share of voice (and what it says about power dynamics) + "lessons from 25 years of tough conversations"
What’s in this issue:
💭 Thought: Share of voice (and what it says about power dynamics)
😆 Today’s Laugh
Yup, that exists.
💭 Today’s Thought
Share of voice is the proportion of words attributed to each person in a conversation and is an excellent indicator of the power gradient within an organization.
- L. David Marquet, Leadership is Language
Take a minute to think back over your work conversations in the last week or so…
What did the distribution of share of voice look like? Did that reflect power dynamics or hierarchy at all?
Did you have a high or low share of voice, and did this change depending on the meeting setting, attendees, or context?
Any other trends you notice?
As leaders, we’re charged with creating the conditions so that everyone can share their voice, regardless of title, role, or status. As humans, we’re charged with helping others feel seen, heard, and valued.
And if you’re struggling to share your own voice, I see you. I know firsthand what that’s like. Know that you have a right to your perspective and deserve to be in the room. 💜
Challenge for this week: choose 1-2 calls or discussions during which you could observe share of voice:
What does it look like, and what, if anything, might it say about the power dynamic in those relationships, or your organization?
What might you do to meaningfully influence share of voice if it feels out of balance?
🖊️ Today’s Reflection
If you’re new to journaling, I highly encourage you to read Nancy Adler’s article: Want to be an outstanding leader? Keep a journal.
This week, find a quiet place and gift yourself 10 minutes to reflect on any of these prompts (or invent your own!):
What’s the hardest thing in your life you’ve had to overcome? What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to accept?
What’s worth doing, even if you fail?
📚 Today’s Read
Lessons from 25 years of tough conversations
Check out Kara Stern’s list of the top five mistakes people make in difficult conversations, applicable to situations at work and at home.
See you next week!
xo,
Anne