Dos and Don’ts of Speaking Up at Work

How to speak up at work without risking your career.

In some corporate cultures, individuals may feel compelled to conform to their superiors' opinions to avoid being perceived as against their boss, to secure trust, and to prevent threats to their career advancement or job security. Unfortunately, this can hinder optimal effectiveness and success.

CEOs highly value well-informed insights and a direct understanding of what's happening. Effective communication not only fosters a more productive and collaborative work environment but also serves to benefit both the company and your professional growth. As the late Steve Jobs famously said, "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do. We hire smart people so they can tell us what to do."

Dos:

1. Choosing the Right Time and Place: Such as team meetings or one-on-one discussions with your supervisor, to express your concerns or ideas.  You’ll know which setting is most appropriate.  Know when a change just has to be accepted.

2. Maintaining Respect and Professionalism: Watch your tone when addressing issues, focusing on the subject matter rather than personal attacks. Do not criticize others. Try to speak in a positive way.

3. Understanding the Rationale: Before voicing your concerns, make an effort to fully grasp the reasons behind a change initiative, recognizing that certain details might be confidential and not immediately shared.

4. Engaging in Constructive Dialogue: Frame your objections as a constructive conversation rather than mere opposition. Seek to understand the viewpoints of those advocating for the change.

5. Offering Thoughtful Alternatives: Instead of merely opposing an initiative, provide well-thought-out alternative solutions or suggestions that align with your concerns.

Don’ts:

1. Avoiding Confrontation: Steer clear of aggressive or overly critical communication when expressing your views.

2. Refraining from Gossip: Avoid engaging in negative discussions with colleagues, as this can harm the working atmosphere and undermine your reputation.

3. Respecting Confidentiality: Honor the confidentiality of sensitive information within your organization.

4. Staying Focused: Maintain your focus on the issue or idea rather than personal grievances or conflicts.

5. Don’t Overly Criticize: Avoid exclusively focusing on criticism, provide a balanced perspective by highlighting potential downsides and challenges.

6. Fostering Collaboration: Avoid creating an "us vs. them" mentality between proponents and opponents of change. Encourage collaboration and unity.

7. Exercising Caution in Highlighting Issues: If a change is inevitable, and you see negative aspects, be mindful not to overemphasize issues that others may not even perceive. Look for ways to contribute to a better outcome.

Although speaking up may present challenges, the opportunity to drive positive change within your company and uphold what's right is invaluable. Your voice is a catalyst for creating a better workplace and advancing your career while making a meaningful and lasting impact.