The Power of Speaking Up: How Silence Affects Teams and Businesses

In a recent workshop, I focused on something that impacts all teams—speaking up, sharing ideas, and taking risks.

What was amazing was how, through our conversations, they all uncovered solutions.

Read below to see how these ideas can help you, too.

I’ve been in those situations, staying silent when I had something to contribute. It can feel safer in that moment, but the cost of silence is high.

In the workshop, I asked participants, mostly ICs (Individual Contributors), to reflect on moments when they didn’t speak up or failed to take a risk.

I asked: “Have you ever walked out of a meeting and thought, ‘I should have said something’?”

Almost every hand in the room went up. We’ve all been there.

Some shared they held back because they feared their ideas would be dismissed.

Others didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings by offering critical feedback.

But when we stay quiet, everyone loses.

The missed perspectives can lead to bigger problems down the line, from unresolved issues to a decline in team morale.

One participant shared how they felt comfortable in one-on-one settings but struggled in larger groups.

Others mentioned their frustration when their ideas weren’t taken seriously until someone else brought them up later.

It wasn’t just a personal issue—it revealed a deeper problem within the team.

We also discussed the importance of speaking up for others.

Initially, some thought it might be overstepping.

But when asked, “Would you want someone to speak up for you when you’re not being heard?” Everyone agreed. - Yes, please do! Sometimes, just stepping in with a well-timed question or validating someone else’s point can shift the whole conversation.

Taking risks is hard, especially in a team setting.

One participant said, “In personal life, you own the consequences. In a team, everyone suffers if you don’t speak up.”

That’s a powerful insight.

Staying quiet may seem like the easier path, but it can lead to costly mistakes down the road.

Many people feel unsure about speaking up if they don’t have all the information.

But sometimes, sharing a half-formed idea helps uncover gaps no one else has noticed.

What if, instead of holding back, you asked powerful questions, acknowledged someone else’s resistance to an idea, and used it to create stronger solutions?

Here is another solution they offered:

It’s not just individual contributors who need to speak up. Leadership plays a big role, too.

When leaders dominate meetings, they often stifle creativity and discourage others from sharing their ideas. Several participants shared that they felt overshadowed in larger groups, especially when leadership was in the room.

The solution? Leaders need to consciously step back, invite input, and make space for quieter voices.

Vulnerability can also be a powerful tool. The few leaders in the room shared their own struggles and mistakes and how they create a safer environment where everyone feels more comfortable speaking up.

The leaders told everyone they shouldn’t be afraid of confidently handling dominant personalities in the room.

You can influence decisions without pushing back simply by welcoming other perspectives and finding ways to build on them by engaging in dialogue and asking open-ended questions to bring others to reflection.

If you’re holding back, consider the impact not just on yourself but on your team. Every time you speak up, you open the door to better solutions, stronger relationships, and more innovative ideas.

It’s not about being right; it’s about being part of the conversation.

So, speak up! Your voice matters, and by using it, you help create a more connected and effective team.

You'll be revered for raising points that need to be addressed; you'll develop as a confident leader and grow in your career.

If this resonates with you and you want to explore more about how to build confidence, handle resistance or influence without authority, follow me for more insights.

Or reach out directly if you’re ready to dive deeper into these strategies.

Stay strong

Roberto

====================

Need help to find your voice and build confidence? Explore more articles and content on my website: https://www.giannicola.com/individual-contributors

Follow me, Roberto Giannicola for more content and insights.

Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation for you or your team.

?