When it's Appropriate to Speak Up

We’ve all been there. We’re all familiar with that awkward silence during a team meeting because the manager’s idea isn’t as great as he or she thought. Maybe an inappropriate joke is made about someone but it’s just thrown into the ‘watercooler banter’ bowl. Maybe you just know something wrong is happening but the timing just may not seem right to bring it up. Now, more than ever is a good time to bring up when it’s important to speak up in the workplace. Not only to help your colleagues or management but to help yourself. Communicating your concerns is essential in creating an ideal work environment and ensures a happier workplace and team members.

As someone who specializes in communications, it’s ideal to consider several factors when you have concerns. Know your audience, know how to handle the feedback you’re likely to receive and understand there’s always a lesson to learn from the experience at hand. We’re all constantly growing in every aspect of our lives and we all learn from each other and the knowledge and opinions we each hold as well. Our opinions of ourselves are extremely important but the perception others have of us should matter just the same. Do you not agree? Here’s an example. How well do you respond to bullying in the office? Did you know that 75% of employees have been affected by workplace bullying? How you may handle this issue may say a lot about your character and how your employees or peers trust you. The article by forbes.com below can provide additional details on several topics to address as seen fit. Don’t be afraid to speak up. The longer you wait, the more detrimental the consequences can be, just be sure to address issues the right way and consider how you communicate your concerns.

In conclusion, as Christine Comaford points out, “knowing when and how to speak up in the workplace is crucial to a happy and successful work environment. If there’s anything you’re unclear about, the best course of action will always be to ask! And be sure to listen to your peers as well. People will want to support you, and they’ll be grateful for your support in return.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2018/07/21/when-and-how-to-speak-up-in-the-workplace/