CHAPTER 3 • COMMUNICATION 29Another strategy to combat the natural
attention loss during lengthy meetings is to vol-
unteer to speak first at group meetings. Topics
near the top of the agenda will get more atten-
tion because group members are more alert.
Women often hinder their ability to effective-
ly communicate with a group by assigning
themselves roles within the group. For exam-
ple, some women view themselves in the tradi-
tional, passive role of the group facilitator, mov-
ing the meeting toward closure even if it means
withholding their opinion. A related posture is
one of preventing conflict, either because it is
uncomfortable to the individual or because she
takes opposing comments personally. In order
to participate fully at meetings, women need to
release themselves from these self-imposed
roles. One of the best qualities that women canbring to a group is the ability to admit mistakes
and work to correct them. Women also tend to
be better listeners. Without the full participa-
tion of women, group decisions may suffer due
to the loss of these perspectives.
Another reason that individuals do not par-
ticipate in group discussions is lack of self-con-fidence or intimidation by the group. These
individuals may find it easier to assert them-
selves if they accept that their position within
the group was earned through their abilities.
Why should anyone express their opinions
at meetings? One very important reason isthat silence is usually viewed as approval.
The group decision-making process may be
the only opportunity to express opposition to
or reservations concerning a decision.
Without these comments, the group may be
stuck with a poor choice for a very long time.
An equally important reason to fully partici-pate in groups is visibility. An individual
who never supports fellow group members’
proposals or never initiates their own pro-
grams is invisible in the group. This is espe-
cially detrimental for women and minorities
seeking to gain acceptance in new fields.
Even if you have planned ahead, polled
your group like a politician, and managed to
place your program at the top of the agenda,
do not wait for or depend on others to voice
their support. Decide which mountains to
climb and be prepared to climb them alone.
The penalty for silence is powerlessness. ■One successful strategy to
counteract several of these
problems is to solicit opinions or
support from fellow group
members before the meeting,
either in person or by e-mail.THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY
Some women view themselves in
the traditional, passive role of the
group facilitator, moving the
meeting toward closure even if it
means withholding their opinion.One of the best qualities that
women can bring to a group is
the ability to admit mistakes
and work to correct them.An individual who never supports
fellow group members’ proposals
or never initiates their own
programs is invisible in the group.