A former manager at IBM once shared a deceptively simple idea that’s stuck with me ever since:
WAIT = Why Am I Talking?
It’s easy—especially in meetings—to fill silence, jump in with solutions, or speak just to speak. Even with the best intentions, we can unintentionally dominate a moment that was never ours to lead.
WAIT is a quiet nudge. A pause. A chance to ask:
Is this helping?
Is now the right time?
Am I adding value—or just filling space?
This idea resurfaced recently in a conversation about Shift vs. Support responses.
Someone says:
“I just got back from Italy—it was incredible!”
You reply:
“Oh, I went to Greece—loved it!”
Just like that, the focus shifts. It’s no longer about them.
In everyday conversations—at work or at home—this happens all the time:
Redirecting the topic too soon
Solving too quickly
Talking when silence might invite more trust
A Shift response turns the spotlight to you. A Support response keeps it on them.
These moments don’t make us bad communicators. But awareness makes all the difference. I even keep a tiny “WAIT” sign on my monitor—a gentle reminder to pause, listen, and stay present.
Because communication isn’t just about speaking. It’s about knowing when not to.
Have you ever caught yourself mid-sentence and thought… “WAIT”?
About the Author
Sami Joueidi holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and brings over 15 years of experience leading AI-driven transformations across startups and enterprises. A seasoned technology leader, Sami has led customer adoption programs, cross-functional engineering teams, and go-to-market strategies that deliver real business impact.
He’s passionate about turning complex ideas into practical solutions, and about helping teams bridge the gap between innovation and execution. Whether architecting scalable systems or demystifying AI concepts, Sami brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving to every challenge.
© Sami Joueidi and www.cafesami.com, 2025.
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