Kristy Grant-Hart (kristygh@sparkcompliance.com) is the Managing Director of Spark Compliance Consulting in London, and author of the book, How to be a Wildly Effective Compliance Officer.
How many times have you been in a meeting where the boss asks, “Does anyone have any ideas about how to (insert goal here)?” followed by silence? Coworkers look at each other, no one wants to pipe up in case their idea is badly received or laughed at by others. Finally, the boss looks exasperated and either answers the question herself or calls on someone to answer. What should you do if you find yourself in this situation? Speak up, speak first, and speak with authority.