Back to Situations
Your Idea Was Dismissed
When your suggestion or contribution is ignored or shot down.
30-Second Summary
When your idea is dismissed, it can feel like YOU were dismissed. Your contribution feels tied to your identity, so rejection of the idea feels personal.
Key Insight
Ideas get rejected for many reasons beyond quality: timing, budget, politics, or simply that someone else spoke louder. A "no" to your idea is not a "no" to you as a person.
Right Now
Don't withdraw or go silent. Stay engaged in the meeting/conversation. Shutting down signals defeat; staying present shows resilience.