What can happen if you continue saying NOTHING at meetings at work?

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calidreamin

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I am in government, and I think people realized that I am quiet and reserved. Some have made comment about my not knowing what's going on.
I try to participate, and probably say one or two things, but usually they turn out to be somewhat dumb and off the wall.
If I continue to be mute at meetings, what's the worst that can happen? What kind of reasonable expectation should I have?
 
ARE YOU DUMB?? THE WORST THING IS THAT THEY'LL FIRE YOU!!! WOW THAT TOOK REAL BRAIN POWER........
 
It depends on how long you've worked for the government and what your GS rating number is. If you've passed probation it will be difficult for them to fire you, you could get transferred but fired is difficult. However if you have not passed your probation you should be concerned. If there are staff members who are attempting to profile you as the weak link or incompitent I would set up a meeting with your supervisor and address your concerns, indicate your personality type and demostrate the "CONTRIBUTIONS" that you have made to the department that he or she may not be aware of. Then ask for feedback on how they think you could be of more of a benefit to the department.

Most supervisors want their team members to gel together, but most understand that there will always be somebody who doesn't like somebody. The issue is to get everyone to work effectively together. I believe if you approach your supervisor and make them believe you are interested in contributing to the department it will go over well. If you continue to say nothing it can be mis-interpreted. I would also encourage you to join a "toast-masters" organization so that you become more confident while speaking in front of groups.

Hope that helps. Good luck
 
Start choosing your words more carefully. You said that when you do speak at meetings the things you say are usually perceived as being of no value. What really counts is not how much you talk during a meeting, but how much value you provide. Your goal should not be to be a blabber-mouth, just try to provide one or two really good ideas or insights.
 
The worst that can happen is they'll decide you're not bringing any benefits to the meeting, and they'll decide you don't need to be there. Depending on what the rest of your job entails, and how it's evaluated, I suppose the worst that could happen is that your position may be in jeopardy.

But there are a whole lot of "depends" in that.

I assume you are invited to the meetings because they want your input? Pay attention, and try to make suggestions. Or at least be able to respond appropriately, or people WILL think you don't know what's going on.
 
plainly put. you will be demoted or fired from your position. if your job requires your input, than that is what they expect. if they are just being picky because you have always been quiet, simply explain that to them.
what is your work perfomance like. if you work gets done, and correctly with no complaints... that is what will count the most in the end. good luck.
 
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