"How to tell if they’re really with you—or just nodding along"
By the time someone’s stopped contributing, it might already be too late. They’ve withdrawn—but you think you’ve got alignment. The good news? Withdrawing from a conversation is rarely subtle if you’re looking for it.
In those moments, don’t plough ahead. Pause and ask: “I noticed you went quiet—are we aligned, or is something not landing?” You can follow up with: “Would you have taken a different approach?” Taking a few moments to ask these questions can save weeks of confusion, rework, and frustration. Because in human systems, what people don’t say often matters more than what they do. Until next time, |