There’s a real value to being the new voice in a room. Why? Because you bring a fresh perspective that leaders often need but rarely hear.
There’s a real value to being the new voice in a room. Why? Because you bring a fresh perspective that leaders often need but rarely hear.
Earlier this week, I talked about how to prepare if you have been invited to a leadership meeting for the first time.
But what should you say when you get there? You don’t want to waste the opportunity to contribute because your nerves get the better of you!
As the “new voice,” you’re not burdened by years of ingrained thinking or departmental silos. You’re uniquely positioned to connect dots that others might overlook, ask questions that cut through the noise, and offer insights rooted in your deep understanding of people, processes, and priorities.
Here are some reasons why your voice matters.
1. Assistants often have a bird’s-eye view of the organisation. You work across teams, manage complex schedules, and have firsthand insight into how decisions impact people at all levels. This makes your perspective invaluable in leadership discussions, as you can highlight nuances others might miss.
2. Leadership meetings can sometimes focus solely on data and strategy. But as an assistant, you often understand the human side of the business – how changes will land with teams, what motivates individuals, and where communication breakdowns might occur. Sharing these insights can steer decisions in a more effective, empathetic direction.
3. Sometimes, the most valuable contribution isn’t an answer – it’s a question. As someone who’s not entrenched in every decision, you can ask clarifying or challenging questions that prompt leaders to think differently. These questions can drive innovation, uncover blind spots, and spark meaningful conversations.
4. Assistants often serve as a bridge between leadership and the rest of the organisation. By being in the room, you have the opportunity to bring forward the perspectives of those who aren’t typically represented at the table. This makes leadership decisions more inclusive and grounded in reality.
5. Leadership teams can sometimes become stagnant in their thinking. A new voice – especially one that’s observant, thoughtful, and solution-oriented, can invigorate the room and challenge the status quo in a way that sparks positive change.
Embrace your seat at the table! If you find yourself invited to leadership meetings, don’t underestimate the value of your contributions.
🗣️Speak up.
⁉️Ask questions.
👀Share observations.
Your perspective is not only valid – it’s needed.
Remember, the most innovative and impactful leaders rely on diverse voices to inform their decisions. By owning your role as the new voice in the room, you can influence conversations, shape outcomes, and demonstrate the strategic value of assistants in leadership.
So, what’s stopping you from stepping up and speaking out? The room is ready for your perspective – and it might just be the game-changer they need.
