From the novel Already In A Meeting

Over-preparing for every meeting, just in case

The one with three versions
You are prepared for every version of the room. Version A, version B, and the one you actually believe, which stays in a folder. Being right in private feels safer than finding out.
Which one are you? Take the quiz Watch the episode
Priya, Head of Marketing, from the novel Already In A Meeting
Priya
Head of Marketing
“Three versions of every deck. Just in case.”

What it looks like at work

1
Every deck has a backup, and the backup has a backup.
2
You know what you think. You present what they want.
3
Feedback stings for days, so you prepare until there is nothing left to criticise.
4
The version you believe in rarely leaves your laptop.
The part behind it

Why a part of you does this

This protector prepares for every possible reaction so you are never caught unready. It is excellent at its job. The backups are good. They are also very good walls, and they keep your real voice out of the meeting where it could make a difference.
“Version C is what she believes, and nobody asked for it.”Priya's inner meeting, from the book

Watch Priya's episode

One thing to try this week

Without the Backup
From the book
One small thing, this weekWhen you catch yourself building a safety net.
  1. Try one thing without your usual backup. Send the email without three drafts. Make the suggestion without checking first what your boss will think.
  2. Notice what happens inside while you do it. The part that wanted the safety net will have feelings. Listen to them. You do not have to obey them.
Why it helps. The discomfort is the data.
“I was working in my catering company the other day and realized I had a pull to make a second batch of sauce, just in case, for the boss to be happy. I was laughing so much because I realized I'm being such a Priya.”
Isabella, Spain
Already In A Meeting, a novel by Anna Milaeva
In the book

Priya is one of five people at Arco

Arco is a small wellness startup that has pivoted four times in eight months. Already In A Meeting is a short, funny novel about the people inside it, and the meetings running inside each of them, with real parts work underneath. What happens to Priya at the retreat is in the book.
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Talk it through

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I'm Anna, the author. I work with this as an IFS coach, with professionals and leaders who are good at their jobs and tired of how much it costs them. The first call is free and lasts thirty minutes.
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The other four

Kate, Chief of Staff The one who holds it togetherKate, Chief of Staff Daniel, Founder and CEO The one with the new planDaniel, Founder and CEO Tom, Engineering Lead The one who says fineTom, Engineering Lead Marta, Lawyer, and Tom's partner The one who can't stopMarta, Lawyer, and Tom's partner
Seeing these patterns across your whole team? Already In A Meeting for teams →