No Passing

I don't mind it when a smart person remains silent until the discussion has almost played out. Timing one's remarks can be crucial and it is possible that the person was digesting the opinions of others.

What is frustrating is when, meeting after meeting, some of the smartest people in the room say nothing. Not a word. I recall President Eisenhower's practice of requiring Cabinet members to declare yea or nay on major issues. "Passing" on a subject was not permitted. Eisenhower didn't want people later criticizing a decision that they'd silently accepted. He wanted dissent out in the open.

If you are at the table, you are expected to participate and not simply attend.

No passing.