The scene repeated itself daily at our hotel in Abu Dhabi: families lounging by the pristine swimming pool, children paddling at the water’s edge – and one man whose booming voice carried effortlessly across the entire space. He wasn’t shouting in anger, just speaking with the kind of volume that suggested mega confidence in the importance of his own words. The rest of the group he was with were lively enough, but he was clearly their headline act – relishing the sound of his own voice more than anyone else around the pool.
It’s a familiar dynamic that triggers an unexpected realisation, one that connects directly to our professional lives. In both corporate boardrooms and poolside spaces, the same pattern emerges: the loudest voices command the most attention, regardless of the value they bring. In countless meetings, I’ve watched as a small minority consumes the majority of speaking time – often unintentionally enabled by leadership’s silence or deference. These dominant voices shape discussions not because their ideas are stronger, but because they’re louder and more persistent.
The consequences are significant. Just as fellow hotel guests retreat to quieter corners of the pool area, meeting participants often withdraw when they can’t find space to contribute. Over time, this withdrawal becomes a loss not just for individuals, but for the collective wisdom of the group. Valuable insights remain unspoken and shared understanding never fully ignites.
The roots of this dynamic are complex. Cultural differences play a role sometimes – what’s considered “appropriate volume” varies dramatically across societies. Some people may simply be unaware of their acoustic impact; others may see a dominant communication style as a marker of confidence or leadership. In my experience, other people’s reactions to these voices can range from mild irritation to complete resignation.
But here’s the key: the solution isn’t to silence the loud voices, which would also be problematic (just in a different way). We need to create environments where all voices can be heard, and in professional settings this might mean:
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Structured turn-taking in meetings
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Active facilitation that draws out quieter participants
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Multiple channels for contribution – written, verbal and digital
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Building awareness around how different communication styles shape dynamics
Even in casual settings like pool areas, a simple awareness of our acoustic footprint can make a remarkable difference. The goal isn’t to dampen energy or banish laughter, it’s to find a balance that respects everyone’s right to space and contribution.
The parallel between poolside dynamics and workplace communication has reminded me of a universal truth: the most effective environments – whether for relaxation or performance – are those where no single voice drowns out the rest. When we hold space for every voice, we invite richer ideas and at the same time create the conditions where real collaboration – and perhaps even a few sparks of insight – can take hold.
