They are everywhere these days: conceding, bowing, backing away, ever-smiling, agreeing, and staying silent. They fear you won't like them if they speak up. They worry they won't know what to do if you disagree with their disagreement.
Now, sometimes speaking up comes with a price. Just ask 60 Minutes host Scott Pelley. But I doubt anyone would describe him as a pleaser.
When you find yourself working with a pleaser, or feeling deeply annoyed by one, consider this: When have you been fearful? When have you lacked courage? When have you been punished for speaking up? When have you been consumed by worry? That may be what it's like for them. If you want a straight answer, it may not help to tell people, "You can say anything you want."
Instead, try:
"What do you think the quieter people on our team think about this?"
Or better yet, earn their trust over time through your response to honest feedback.
And then ask yourself:
What do I look like in meetings?
Is sarcasm my second language?
Am I perpetually angry, outspoken, or resentful?
Do I openly welcome new ideas, however wild they may seem?
Am I kind to the least powerful people on the team?
Am I known as an encourager?
Do I treat everyone as an equal?
Or do I privately confide in a select few?
That last one may be a mistake. Perhaps confide in a coach instead.