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Do you consider yourself an opinionated person? Do you have a lot of big ideas? Many people who see themselves as outspoken find that they are actually afraid to speak out at work. They fear criticism, stepping on toes, or being told that it’s not their place. This fear is valid in some cases, I’m sure. But there are plenty of ways to speak your mind without suffering negative consequences. The key: It’s all about the presentation.
Bring solutions
Don’t approach a situation as a “problem”. Even the word has a negative connotation. Refer to it first as a “challenge”. Or even better, an “opportunity”. Try not to approach a challenge without possible solutions. Complaining doesn’t accomplish anything. However, if you see something that could be improved, speak up. And make sure you have some ideas for how it could be improved.
Don’t make it personal
Voicing an idea or opinion can be a stressful experience. It’s putting a piece of yourself out there. Inevitably, not everyone is going to like everything you suggest. I’m learning this now with blogging - it’s frustrating to put yourself out there and then feel like people don’t get it. But then I realize that for every person who doesn’t get it, there’s two people who do. And it’s really just about starting the conversation, contributing to the flow of ideas.
In the work place, it’s the same thing: showing an ability to think originally and creatively is respected even if the actual suggestion is not viable. Remember that it’s not about you. If someone doesn’t fall in love with your idea, it doesn’t mean you (or your idea) are stupid. Maybe it’s not the right time, maybe it’s just not an idea that makes sense. That’s okay! No one is going to hold it against you. In fact, they will probably begin to realize that you’re a big thinker. Perhaps they will begin to ask your opinion on other things, now that they know you actually have opinions and aren’t just sitting back enjoying the ride.
Positive presentation
The one thing to remember is that people appreciate ideas and opinions when they are presented in a positive light. Someone who approaches a supervisor with the sincere desire to improve a situation will be received with a welcoming attitude. However, approaching someone in a negative way, with arrogance and self-importance, will be completely counterproductive. Be sure that, when voicing ideas, you are always expressing your intent to be helpful and positive. Never state your opinion as fact or your idea as the one and only solution for a problem. Even if you are correct, no one will want to listen to you.
Communicate differently
Sometimes we approach people with an idea at the wrong time - they’re busy and they’re not really listening. I often bring up the same idea to my boss several times before he really hears it and responds, “Why didn’t you suggest that earlier?” It’s the nature of people I guess - we get busy, we stop listening. Perhaps it’s the way we expressed our idea - maybe we didn’t get our point across clearly. There’s no harm in approaching the matter again, from a different angle at a different time, perhaps even with a different person. If you have something that you think is a great idea, don’t let your voice be stifled by one naysayer.
Know when enough is enough
Sometimes when you’ve voiced your opinion about a “challenge” or “opportunity”, brought solutions to the table, and communicated those solutions in multiple, positive ways, you may eventually have to step back and realize that you’ve done all you can do. When you don’t have the power to change things, and the person in charge doesn’t want (or see the need) to change them, you have to go with the flow. Don’t continue to bring it up. Get over it and understand that you haven’t lost anything. And you can feel proud of yourself for making your voice heard.
On the flipside, it will be very rewarding when you throw out a golden idea that is quickly recognized and appreciated. And that’s the kind of thing that gets you noticed - in a good way.
If you liked that post, then try these...
Do You Like Your Boss? Does it Matter?? by Admin on August 9th, 2007
The Art of Biting Your Tongue by Chrissy on September 5th, 2007
Learning How to Say "No" by Chrissy on September 22nd, 2007
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2 Responses to “How to Speak Your Mind (and Keep Your Job)”
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Hi Chrissy-
RE: the “Don’t make it personal part.”
I’m in nursing school and I’ve brought up a couple of ideas to someone who wanted to start a new club. What I got was silence. She never responded to my emails or spoke to me again. I think she thought I was encroaching on her territory or that I was a “power” threat to her in some way, like I wanted to take over.
So what should I do? I’ve tried taking to her to no avail. I consider it not professional even childish behavior. But there you have it. Any suggestions?
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