Like many Americans, I watched the presidential debate this week like I was watching a movie from the Saw franchise: I knew it was going to scare the hell out of me, but I sat back in stunned horror nonetheless.
It was a difficult thing to explain to my teenage daughters why these two adults were intent on sabotaging each other and eager to attack the other’s point of view in such a harsh manner. I did my best to explain that, despite the nastiness of the debate, something beautiful did exist. Put simply, I shared that the notion that these two people could speak their minds and beliefs freely, leaving us – the citizens - to determine the best choice to lead.
To embrace the freedom our country was founded on is a great responsibility each of us over the age of 18 has the right to possess. So regardless of my political leanings, I feel it my personal responsibility to vote. And I can’t understand why anyone would choose not to.
Conversely, workplaces are not run by a democracy, though most organizations are savvy enough to solicit feedback and opinions from their trusted team members. Do you know how to find your voice and speak up? Do you find yourself concerned about offending someone with your ideas? Maybe looking silly because you don’t have full information? Of course, sometimes it makes sense to bite your tongue.
Despite your fear, here are four reasons why you should let your voice be heard at work.
SILENCE EQUALS ACCEPTANCE
Maybe you are staying quiet to avoid conflict, but it could actually have the opposite effect.
When a topic is shared and you do not say anything, you risk being seen as enabling. If you have a concern and fail to voice it, you are just as culpable as the person who caused the problem in the first place. To not share your voice may destroy trust - and you will rarely find someone who is grateful that you withheld your opinion in the future.
FOCUS ON THE GREATER GOOD
Of course, most people never want to be perceived as “the bad guy.” Maybe you worry that by sharing your thoughts, you risk appearing overly critical.
However, if you feel an individual or team is headed down a bad path, it’s selfish to put your own feelings of comfort or safety before the needs of others. The worst case scenario is that someone might disagree with you. The best case? The team might truly benefit from your insights.
SHOW YOU ARE ENGAGED
If you are involved in a conversation, actually be in the conversation. Why bother to participate if you don’t truly wish to engage?
To do that, become impactful by sharing your voice. Doing so in a productive manner is a trust-builder, especially when it’s partnered with tact and empathy. When you share your ideas this way, you build trust and a healthy reputation for giving good advice. Who doesn’t want to partner with team members like that?
BE COURAGEOUS
You might be the first to speak, but chances are if you are thinking about something, it might have occurred to others as well. Once you have the courage to share your ideas, you might just find you’ve made it safer for others to speak up as well. While this might put you in an uncomfortable place momentarily, it’s unlikely any company will not support the voice. Companies thrive on new perspectives and fresh ideas. Staying quiet doesn’t benefit anyone.
Next month, we head off to the polls to elect our next Commander-in-Chief. While workplaces are quite different than how we run our country, we still get a voice. To build your own career and strengthen your own thinking, be courageous and share your thoughts and ideas. You might just add some significant value.
Christina Luconi is Chief People Officer for Rapid7. Follow her on Twitter: @peopleinnovator
Image via Unsplash