How to Increase Participation in Your Team Without Leaving a Bitter Aftertaste

Instead of seeking equal participation, aim for fair participation

LUMINA/Stocksy

Facilitating a team meeting is like stepping into a kitchen filled with fresh ingredients and rich aromas of spices and herbs from around the world. Each ingredient represents a unique flavor within the team. A skilled facilitator, much like a chef, knows how to combine them to achieve a fulfilling outcome.

However, too often the experience ends up being disappointing.

For years, loud voices have monopolized conversations, neutralizing other, precious flavors. From talking too much to imposing their views, bold flavors have overpowered meetings, leaving no room for subtle yet deep and complex notes.

The evidence was there, but companies weren’t paying attention – or didn't care.

Then came the pandemic, and remote meetings brought to light this imbalance. In an attempt to fix this, many companies shifted from one extreme to another, becoming overly protective of subtle voices.

As someone who enjoys cooking dishes from various cuisines, I know that each recipe requires a unique…