For the One Who Didn’t Raise Her Hand

By Tricia Scott.

I have a question for you. 

Have you ever had a question burning on the tip of your tongue, but instead of asking it, you just sat there nodding along like, "Oh yep, totally following," when inside, you're screaming:

"What the actual hell is everyone talking about?"

I've been there so many times I should've earned a loyalty card, or at least some sort of gold badge. I've sat in rooms, conferences, webinars, and networking events where everyone else seemed to have it together, and I was just blinking, hoping no one would notice my blank expression giving way the fact that I had no clue.

But here's what I've learned (and keep relearning): You're not clueless for asking. You're courageous. In fact, you're the bravest person in the room the moment you choose honesty over performance

You see, somewhere along the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, we got sold the lie that asking questions is a weakness. That to be taken seriously, we've got to know already, or that competence is measured by silence and not curiosity.

Let me tell you something I know in my bones: That is utter crap.

The ones who speak up and say, "I don't get it, can you explain?" they're the ones who light the path for everyone else who's too scared to say the same.

They're the ones the speakers remember. They're the ones who get the best conversations.

Because they're not pretending, they're learning.

And honestly, we're all still learning. Even the so-called experts are figuring it out as they go. Especially them. Trust me when I tell you that half the time, the people nodding along with you don't get it either. They're just better at "the face". 

So the next time you feel that twinge, that bubbling urge to ask, speak, and admit you're confused or curious, listen to it. That's your inner genius poking you, whispering, "Hey, we're here to grow. Let's do it."

And, bonus, the ones who truly know their stuff? They love being asked. More often than not, that knowledge was hard-earned and you just give them a chance to shine.

We've got to stop acting like we're supposed to be fully formed the moment we step into the arena. You're not behind, and you're not failing because you don't know. You're growing. You're evolving. You're exactly where you need to be.

So raise your hand. Ask the question. Be the one who shifts the energy in the room. I promise you, someone will thank you for it.

You might even thank yourself.

We need more voices like yours, real, open, and fearless in their curiosity.

Keep showing up. Keep asking. Keep learning.

I believe in you (always).

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 Tricia Scott is a passionate startup business mentor and the Founder and Editor of The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, a platform and digital magazine holding the space to showcase female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

The Female CEO is gaining global recognition daily and Tricia is able to bring her own level of expertise as a start-up mentor and multi-company director to her very exclusive table along with her team of brilliant Guest Editors and Contributors. You'll usually find her with her MacBook in one hand and a coffee or a glass of something fizzy in the other. Reach out anytime!