“We don’t think we have something to share.”
Feedback I receive from Germany can sometimes be quite direct, like this: “sticking to the exercises give us some headache.” 🤕
Bettina (not her real name) is in a WOL Circle in her company. They're in the later weeks where you practice making your work visible. Share lessons learned, useful resources, what you’re working on and why. Etc.
That’s when the headaches started. Their Circle, she said, had three issues.
Social etiquette: They thought it was strange to contact someone “out of the blue,” sharing their thoughts without being asked for it first.
Confidence: “We don’t think we have something to share.”
Fear: “We don’t want to say something wrong.”
I wrote to her offering advice, listing the benefits for them as individuals as well as for the company. (There are entire books written about this! The wonderful Show Your Work by Jane Bozarth; Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, and <ahem> Working Out Loud. 😊 )
I’m not sure if my advice helped. Even if she believed me, her uncertainty and fear make for a powerful resistance. Perhaps she needs more role models in her company to show her it’s safe. Or she needs more time and smaller steps to get used to the idea.
It’s such a waste, and not at all uncommon. I meet many smart, experienced people, working in modern companies, who limit their opportunities and effectiveness by standing quietly on the sidelines, waiting to be asked.
What would you have told Bettina? How would you help her and her Circle to help themselves?
