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Speak Up!
We know….there are so many times you have questioned if what you are thinking is worth saying? The answer is always yes!
Sometimes we feel it is better to navigate the unknown by staying silent out of fear of being rejected. However, the landscape of today’s work environment calls for diversity and inclusion of all. Every voice matters!
You Must Speak Up
Speaking up in the workplace should not be a confusing ordeal.
Here are a few times you should speak up:
1- When leaders ask for ways to improve processes and procedures. You made the decision to become an employee at a worksite of your choosing. You deserve to be heard and the option to contribute to change will make the worksite better.
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2- When you have identified an innovative way to do something that will be beneficial to the company, employees, customer, or clients. Everyone has a unique lens to which they view things. Your lens is special and should be shared.
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3- To prevent injustice. Most companies have established reporting procedures to protect employees who speak out anonymously against unfairness, inequalities, or discrimination. Speak up if your place of employment does not have a process in place that does not encourage this.
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4- Speak up and share your career aspirations. Do you want to be in leadership? Do you feel you can thrive better or contribute more to a different department? Speak about your plans for longevity and growth in the workplace.
Leaders
We must cultivate a “speak-up culture” and empower employees to speak up. There are a few simple steps required to establish a speak-up culture in your workplace:
1- Establish respect and boundaries for meetings and collaborative settings.
2- Review and remove punitive actions that prevent employees from speaking up.
3- Create a safe space and times for everyone to come together to talk.
4- Remove emphasis on hierarchy.
There are many benefits to leaders creating a speak-up culture and when employees feel empowered to speak in the workplace. The greatest reward for speaking up is building a strong community around topics that are impactful for all.
So, next time you ask if what you are thinking is worth saying? Remember, the answer is always yes!