With some individual coaching for each team member, each began to monitor involvement in meetings. For those for whom it was difficult, they undertook to at least say when they agreed or disagreed. For those for whom it was easy, they undertook to leave some airtime free. Often, it is a challenge to find a quiet moment to summon up gumption to speak!

When you have something you feel is important to contribute to a meeting, formulate your thoughts, take a deep breath and jump in. Nothing life-threatening will happen. It's a little like learning to swim. The first few times you may get a mouthful of water and sputter a little. You may find yourself gasping for air. You may flail around a little, but, with practice, things even out and you make progress. Yes, it may feel awkward. Yes, you may discount importance of what you have to say before you say it. But, jump in. You are there to offer your skills and learning. It is your responsibility.

A tip or two about handling those who only value sound of their own voices may be in order. They have to take a breath sometime. Be ready to step in and take that opportunity.

AGREE WITH THEM. Beginning with 'I agree with _____________ part of your opinion..." and go on to offer your thoughts. Being agreed with, even in part, will encourage them to listen to you.

USE POSITIVE LANGUAGE. Tell folks what you think would be best and why rather than telling them what is wrong with their ideas. Again, you may capture their attention.

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR IDEAS. Work within yourself to clarify your thoughts prior to meeting. You may even make some notes. Being prepared will make it more likely that you will have some energy behind your points of view and, therefore, be more likely to express them.

BE BRIEF AND SPECIFIC. This is a great tip for everyone at meeting. Stay on topic and point. Give your thoughts and reasons in short sentences, then stop and let others respond. This is way business gets done! Who wants interminable meetings?

Speak up! You have right and responsibility to do so.

Lie #4. Having An *Idea* Instead of a Plan Did you miss becoming a doctor, or dancer, or chef, or actor, or teacher because you were "absent" day they were handing out those careers? Of course not. All of those careers require that a person choose to go to school, sometimes for many years; and then many more years to master their craft. If you don't purposefully choose path to go down, something else will choose it for you. Those who don't create their future, have to endure future they get. Powerful Results come from creating a plan and getting into action.

Lie #5. Ignoring Your Talents Thomas Leonard (www.thomasleonard.com) suggests that you "perfect or customize what you want out of life so that it fits you perfectly." This means using your natural talents in a way that works best for you, in all that you do. So often we put ourselves into a role or get so busy responding to life's daily crisis, that we end up frustrated with busy work instead of taking time to sort out what we're good at, let our strengths help us, and then be willing to ask for help with rest. Powerful Results come from customizing whatever you do so that it's a better fit for you.

Lie #6. Elusive Goals instead of Do-able Goals An elusive goal is "save $5 thousand for down payment for a house". There's no strategy or plan associated with that. A do-able goal is "save $100 every week for one year, beginning this week." That's a plan of action that has measurable results. Powerful Results come from specific actions that have measurable results.

Lie #7. "What I do doesn't matter" Attitude. It's easy to say to yourself that other people and circumstances prevent you from doing something. It's easy to think that they are more powerful than you are, so your puny contribution won't matter in long run. But this attitude tends to paralyze you, and keep you out of action of creating better circumstances. Powerful Results come from being honest with yourself, listening to yourself, then doing what needs to be done.