How you respond is the whole game.
People decide whether to speak up based on what happened the last time someone did. The invitation matters, but the response matters more.
Ask specifically
Better Invitations
“What am I missing?”
- Not “any questions?”
- Ask named people gently
- Give time to think
Respond well
Thank, Then Engage
“Thanks, that's useful.”
- No sighs, no eye-rolls
- Separate the idea from the person
- Even when the news is bad
Close the loop
Show What Happened
“Because you raised it, we…”
- Report back on the outcome
- Or explain why not
- Silence feels like dismissal
How you respond is the whole game.