silence denotes agreement

Set one key ground rule: “Silence denotes agreement” or “qui tacet consentire videtur,” as it’s been known for centuries.

These three words do a great job of forcing people to open up, no matter how reluctant (or passive-aggressive) they may be feeling. Explain to people that if they don’t say anything when given a proposal or plan, they’re voting “yes” to it. Silence doesn’t mean “I’m not voting” or “I reserve the right to weigh in later.” It means “I’m completely on board with what’s being discussed.”

Bob Frisch and Cary Greene

“Before a Meeting, Tell Your Team That Silence Denotes Agreement,” Harvard Business Review. February 3, 2016 as quoted in HBR Guide to Making Every Meeting Matter. Harvard Business Review Press. 2016.