How to overcome the fear of speaking up
Alethea Delgado Saab
ICF ACC Executive Coach, Scrum Master, ITIL4, MBA, Telecom Eng., Global IT Vendor Mgmt. Expert
Speaking up is of paramount importance in various aspects of life, and its significance cannot be overstated. Speaking up is essential for individual growth, effective communication, problem-solving, advocacy, empowerment, accountability, social change, mental health, personal development, democracy, innovation, and conflict resolution. Encouraging a culture of open and respectful dialogue is crucial for personal and societal well-being.
However, some corporate cultures and managers punish these kinds of practices by promoting an autocratic approach, where is common to find a command-and-control environment. The other day I was talking with an old colleague of mine, and he told me one anecdote, the only time he dared to speak up, he found out two days later that he was impacted by a re-structuring, probably it was just a coincidence, but the reality is that many employees feels that they just need to keep their heads down and do what they are told.
After 25 years of experience in several countries, industries, and companies I would dare to say that this is the perfect formula to kill initiative, proactiveness, different points of view thanks to the richness of diversity, looking at all the possible angles, creativity, innovation, and a lot of many aspects to consider.
In my humble opinion, I consider that with “Respect” and a “Constructive Approach” every person is able to express what they think, even though their opinion is not in line with the common beliefs. As a Systemic Coach I truly believe that every voice matters, every voice has a message to transmit, and should be listened.
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Overcoming the fear of speaking up can be challenging, but it is an important skill to develop for personal and professional growth. Here are some steps you can take to conquer this fear:
Remember that overcoming the fear of speaking up is a process, and it may take time. Your voice is valuable, your knowledge and expertise can help others to see a different perspective. Be patient with yourself and keep pushing your boundaries. With practice and persistence, you can become a more confident and effective communicator.
I help corporate function executives define and implement strategies, transform their functions, lower costs, and obtain new organizational capabilities
1 年True Alethea, it's hard - and essential - to speak up, not only in autocratic cultures but also in homogeneous cultures where the push to go along is strong. Keep writing and stay true!