Speak up... nothing gets solved unless you do.
I was at a conference a little while back and had the opportunity to listen to a speaker named Talli Osborne. Without getting into her story, I think it is safe to say she was inspirational, motivational and will look back on a very rich life when she is eighty-five. Click here to go to her website. She told many stories but I was struck with the story when she consciously decided to speak up.
I remember hearing the same sentiments from a General Manager I knew long ago, who simply said, "If you are not participating in the conversations to manage the business, what value do you offer".
He was a little bit "harsher" than Talli.
The point of speaking up, speaking your mind, and adding to the conversation is extremely important... not only for yourself but for whatever issue, problem, idea, or plan you are involved with.
Here's what I have learned so far on this topic -
- At any given time, you will be the smartest person in the room... so share.
- If you are shy, please get over it. It serves no one, including yourself.
- If a leader asks, "Are there any questions?"... they mean it, so ask.
- More often than not, if it falls apart it's because the person who had the answer didn't speak up.
- Engagement is the easiest way to tell everyone you care.
- Do not assume people know what you know.
- If you want to engage a leader, tell them what you think. They may disagree, but they will respect you. And will listen the next time.
- When you ask a question, you can bet 75 % of the room wanted to ask.
- Although it can be said a committee created the camel*, more often than not, you end up with a better solution when there are more "voices" involved.
- If you don't say it in open forum, you should not be saying it behind closed doors.
- Speaking to "power" can be intimidating, but it can also make things happen.
- No one knows what you are thinking unless you tell them.
Is this easy? It should be, but sometimes it's not. You still have to speak up though, because there is no one stopping you.
iamgpe
* It is said that the camel was a horse designed by committee.
Articles from Graham🐝 Edwards
View blogThe question was posed just as he was about to jump into the water, “What’s the purpose of it all?” ...
Decades of sitting behind desks, in airplanes or in a car has blessed me with very tight hips which, ...
It is said, and thankfully I’ve only experienced this figuratively, when the shelling starts, try to ...
Related professionals
You may be interested in these jobs
-
pmo
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 day ago
MI-GSO | PCUBED Montreal, Canada EmploymentYOUR NEXT CHALLENGE · Rejoignez nos équipes · Passionné(e) par la gestion de projet, vous souhaitez donner un élan à votre carrière et évoluer au sein d'une entreprise de conseil d'envergure internationale qui vous propose bien plus qu'un simple poste ? · MIGSO-PCUBED est là p ...
-
personal support aide
Found in: Talent CA 2 C2 - 5 days ago
Tuo Fan Coquitlam, CanadaEducation: No degree, certificate or diploma · Experience: Experience an asset · Asset languages · Mandarin · Tasks · Administer bedside and personal care · Assist clients with bathing and other aspects of personal hygiene · Feed or assist in feeding · Perform light housekeeping ...
-
Administrateur de Systèmes et de Réseaux
Found in: Talent CA C2 - 1 week ago
American Iron and Metal Montréal-Est, Canada Full timedu poste · En tant qu'administrateur principal de système et de réseau, vous jouerez un rôle essentiel dans la maintenance et l'évolution du serveur, du réseau et de l'infrastructure de stockage de l'AIM afin de soutenir et d'améliorer nos activités principales. Votre mission con ...
Comments
Graham🐝 Edwards
6 years ago #21
Thanks for the comment Claire L Cardwell... the cool thing is it's never to late to start speaking out.... I'm like you I wish I had started sooner....
Graham🐝 Edwards
6 years ago #20
Thanks for the comment Lance \ud83d\udc1d Scoular
Lance 🐝 Scoular
6 years ago #19
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #18
This is a great idea Vincent Andrew. Appreciate it.
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #17
Thanks very much for the comment Phil Friedman... As I like to say, "people can't get angry at someone for doing their job", unless as you say it's "loud and obnoxious". Appreciate you reading my chicken scratchings... lol
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #16
Thanks for the note Sara Jacobovici.
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #15
Phil Friedman
7 years ago #14
Sara Jacobovici
7 years ago #13
Sara Jacobovici
7 years ago #12
Great list Graham Edwards. A good resource to keep.
Sara Jacobovici
7 years ago #11
Well said (pun intended) Harvey Lloyd. All your points are valid and your conclusion powerful: "The differences one hears in the speak out is not only audible, but clearly different in many other areas. I agree we do need to speak out more. I would offer though, we need to ensure that how we speak up is just as important as the act itself."
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #10
Based on previous comments here and other places your principals have been very evident Ren\u00e9e Cormier. This is why i enjoy your commentary. I would rephrase some of your comments concerning standing up for others. In the not to long ago past, we could stand up and hold folks accountable for poor treatment of others. (Another speaking out context) Today i find that many victims who require that voice of support are really victims of misunderstanding expectations. I generally approach these situations with win-win. An old worn out strategy that has been given new names along the way, like EI. But asking the victim of such events, what they wanted and determining if it is achievable. To often i see folks speak out for or against something prior to understanding the real issues. They are usually plugged in tight with the emotional issues and tend to skip the facts, what can be achieved or demonstrate how to achieve a win for both. Of course this methodology will not get your video a million hits on youtube. I triple agree with you on the speaking up consequences. If you are going to practice a win-win approach and the situation requires a strong voice , then stand. Once the sword is drawn though, it won't see its sheath before victory. It is wise to know the battle prior to drawing the sword. ..."those who speak to make noise...." Then you must be totally enjoying the American Presidential Debates.
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #9
I agree with speaking up Ren\u00e9e Cormier. But you introduced some context to speaking up, two specifically, Professionally and Personally. If i don't know that something is irritating to you then i can't change, would be a personal call to speak up. If i am the leader of a project, group or problem then when you speak up please stay focused on the agenda. If you wish to add to the conclusions made prior to the resolution of the fix then see me after the meeting. But please speak up, i want to hear all insights. I guess i was coming from a perspective of being over loaded with folks speaking up, where Graham Edwards was referring to the group of folks that have difficulty finding their voice in challenging situations (shy). I was discussing the other end where folks seem to share their thoughts openly inside meetings where free thinking was held last week. We are currently on to execution now. Lively discussion. I do encourage folks to speak up, but also guide them through the process. My assumption is you would be speaking up for a reason. The reason represents an outcome you would like to see happen/added to the current dialogue. It's worth working through the best way to present the information so that all can hear. Also it helps if the forum is appropriate for the input. These and other techniques are typical in leadership settings where the leader is trying to insert their wisdom. It seems this is appropriate for all participants. These are fairly high level concepts if you are still working through courage issues of just speaking out.
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #8
Thanks for the comment Ren\u00e9e Cormier there is great importance in the "How". Any insight in optimizing the "how". This is definitely rich discussion ... thanks everyone !
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #7
Thanks for speaking up Kevin Pashuk. : ) Your insight is always appreciated and ... insightful. I'm an INTP in Myers-Briggs terms so when I wrote this I wrote it as a constant reminder for myself. And yes, it is always helpful that when you say something worth saying, or at least contrary to what currently being bantered around the table.
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #6
Thanks of the comment Harvey Lloyd... I like your motto and you are right the "how" is really important. I appreciate your insight !
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #5
Thanks of the comment Lisa Gallagher is fantastic and I appreciate it for myself too.
Graham🐝 Edwards
7 years ago #4
I noticed comments can only have up to 2000 characters so this is now shorter than my original.... Thanks for your comment and your question Vincent Andrew. I will admit it is a big question so I invite others to weigh in but here are some of my initial thoughts to How would you encourage the most timid amongst us to speak up? Up front I will say much of what I had mentioned in my post I have learned over the years as I am a natural introvert, reflector and observer. With the said this is what comes to mind. Profile yourself... you can do a quick and dirty Myers - Briggs on line. Develop some goals and objectives regarding not being timid and getting your voice and ideas out there. Discover what modes of communication you are most comfortable with, is is verbal, written, video, small groups, large groups, etc and play to your strength to get your voice out there. Participate in your small team meetings as these are (in theory) are safe places. Participate on social media platforms to start practicing your "voice, ideas, and things you would like to say" You can play to your strengths. Have a list of questions ready so if someone calls on you, the response is easy... "Yes Mr Leader, I would like you know your leadership style and what is the best way to communicate with you?" I hope this has helped...
Kevin Pashuk
7 years ago #3
Harvey Lloyd
7 years ago #2
Lisa Gallagher
7 years ago #1