Feeling overlooked at work? Here are seven ways to make your voice heard

Have you ever been overlooked during meetings when you felt you had valuable input to offer? Or wondered how to share your ideas to make a more significant impact at work? When it comes to influencing others and shaping your career, your voice is one of your most powerful instruments.

But getting your point of view acknowledged isn’t just about being heard. When you create real engagement, you foster an environment where your ideas can flourish. If your contributions are recognized and valued, you expand your career potential and enjoy your job more. And when you are able to express your thoughts confidently and constructively, better working relationships unfold and new opportunities arise.

Here are seven actions you can take to improve the odds your voice will be heard at work:

Build your credibility: Credibility is built on a foundation of trust and competence. Start by consistently producing high-quality work and delivering on deadline. Keep your commitments. Show up prepared and informed for every task and meeting. Invest in continuous learning and stay updated on trends in your industry and you’ll build your expertise. When you speak from a place of knowledge, preparation and demonstrated reliability, your ideas gain traction and attention from both management and your peers.

Communicate intentionally and thoughtfully: Effective communication isn’t just about having your message heard, it is also about listening to what others say and showing that you understand them. Practice active listening by paying attention to what others are telling you and responding to their input or issues. When you speak, be clear and concise. Get to the point, but don’t be afraid to use data or examples to illustrate and strengthen your message. And think about timing. Often, providing your input early in a discussion can carry greater weight, particularly if everyone is still forming their opinions.

Understand your workplace culture: Every organization has a culture and style of communication – how discussions are conducted and how decisions are made. If you observe and adapt to these unwritten norms, you can significantly enhance your effectiveness and gain respect from your peers. What works better, direct e-mails or team discussions? Are formal presentations more likely to persuade or is it the informal chats later that swing the outcome? Are decisions made in meetings or beforehand in casual conversations? Pay attention and then tailor your approach accordingly.

Make your meetings ...

This was originally published as one of my regular columns in The Globe and Mail on May 31, 2024. If you have a subscription, you can read the rest on their site here: https://tgam.ca/3KHO5Uv . And if you don't, a pdf version is archived here: https://www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GM_ManagementOnline_053124.pdf