Speak Up

Often I find people are reticent to speak up. It can be fear provoking to share what you know or what you think, especially with those in a "power-over" position. Sometimes, it's because we believe that what we know others also know. Not true. If we think about how different each of our experiences have been in life and business, it stands to reason we'd all know different elements of different things. So why do we tell ourselves the other person probably already knows. I think it's fear. We don't want to be presumptuous or have the other person see us as a know-it-all. The story we tell ourselves is "they probably already know and saying what I know or think, isn't going to help". Wrong. It's so important to share your perspective even when you're not asked. So what do you do? Start knowing and believing that you do have different information than others. This comes from the work you do or have done in the past and/or from experiences you've had that others may not have had. State your intention. If you're worried the other person will receive the information other than the way you hope, you can say what you want to have happen by sharing. Something like, "I'm seeing this or I'm curious about this and I think there may be a better outcome." Most people will be thankful that you shared the information you have or your perspective. They may still not see it the way you do, that's okay. By speaking up, you did your part. A business needs information and perspectives to make the best decisions and get the best outcomes. Next time you find yourself holding back, say to yourself: "I have information and my perspective matters".