I was in a coaching session earlier this year when my client mentioned they are employing a new strategy in meetings. I hadn’t heard this acronym before, and thought it was brilliant for folks who tend to readily speak up in meetings. And especially important when you are the titled leader of the meeting, as speaking first tends to quell any other ideas or comments.

The acronym is WAIT – Why Am I Talking? I love the contemplation before speaking because that pause can tether you back to the purpose of the meeting, or the conversation. Am I speaking because I’m excited to share something regardless of its pertinence to the topic on the table? If so, write it down and save it for another time. When I engage my staff am I telling them instead of asking them – WAIT and establish purpose, then begin again.

My client is using it to re-establish respect and authority on their expertise. Because recognition that talking to talk has a cost – they aren’t being heard. Are their places in your path that you feel unheard? Consider WAIT-ing a minute to check purpose, and begin again.