Module 6 · Adaptability & different people · Lesson 3 of 8

Different confidence levels

Making room for quieter people, and staying steady with very confident ones.

6 min read · Level: Practising · Free — no account needed to read

The idea

In any group, confidence levels differ. Very confident people can dominate conversations without meaning to; less confident people may have excellent ideas and never say them.

Adapting means making room for quieter people — asking them directly, giving time to think, not interrupting — and staying calm and steady with very confident people rather than either shrinking or competing.

Why it matters

Groups decide better and people feel better when everyone’s voice can be heard, not only the loudest.

See it happen

In a study group, one member talks most of the time and two others rarely speak.

The first reaction

Sumon assumes the quiet ones don’t mind, since they don’t complain.

With the idea

He suggests everyone writes their answer first, then shares. One of the quiet members has the approach that cracks the problem.

What changed

A small change in how the group worked let quieter confidence show.

Easy to get wrong

• Mistaking confidence for competence.
• Pressuring quiet people to speak on the spot in front of everyone.

Where this comes from: Susan Cain — Quiet (2012).

Try it now: Make room

1. Think of a group you are part of.
2. Name who speaks most and who speaks least.
3. Write one thing you could do to hear more from the quietest person.

Questions to think about

• Are you usually one of the louder or quieter people in a group?
• What helps you speak up when you are less confident?

Your challenge this week

Invite a quieter person into a conversation this week, and wait for their answer.