The strong silent type has many applications where it is appropriate.Business meetings, where problems need to be solved is not one of them.Businesses pay talent to speak up and contribute where appropriate to help the team move toward a goal.This is common sense, right?It’s not as common as you would hope.There are two types of silent that I have experienced.-The silent and not strong, no opinion – nothing to add of value.This is someone who got through the interview process.Taking up a seat on the team but not contributing in a meaningful way.-Then, equally annoying, and toxic to the work environment, the strong silent type.This person has so many opinions AFTER the meeting and shares them with everyone BUT the team that needs to solve the problem.You don’t have to be a loudmouth – overpowering everyone in the room to contribute.There is nothing wrong with allowing others to share their thoughts and opinions – then chime in BEFORE the team leaves the room.Even if you don’t think you know the answer… ask the question, get the conversation moving down the path of learning.If you are the leader in the room, ask questions that require more than a Yes or No.Don’t ask if the group understands, ask them to explain their understanding.Don’t assume silence means anything other than what it is. Silence.If you are looking to take YOUR performance to new levels and you don’t know what to do next. I am not hard to find.

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