Asking questions doesn't make you look stupid, but staying silent does. The fear comes from perfectionism and the need to have everything figured out before you speak. Speaking up in meetings, even with half-formed ideas, is how you get noticed and move your career forward.
Do you also feel that if you ask question, you will look like stupid? Sorry, pardon my language. Many of us feel the same, that if I ask a question, if I add a perspective, maybe I will sound stupid. And in that process, many of you are not able to get to the career ladder. Many of you are not able to make that impression. And sometimes it is all linked to perfectionism, where you feel that if you ask a question, it has to be perfect. If If you present a point, you need to have everything figured out, but actually you don't. You just have to start. Is it okay if I ask a question? Or here is one thought that came to my mind. What do you guys think? You will notice far more times that your question or your point of view is going to add to the conversation. And this is what helps in personal branding because then people know you are adding value and meaning to the conversation. So next time when you're in a meeting and there's a question or there is an idea, make sure you speak up.
