Speaking up at work can be challenging!
It’s not because you don’t have opinions or smarts – you certainly do. People hesitate to speak up for all kinds of reasons. It may be shy (afraid to look bad), may be perfectionism (wanting to have all the details nailed down before saying anything). It also could be fear of confrontation (the belief that disagreeing, especially with a boss, is too risky).But, whatever is holding you back, the following suggestions will help you.
1. Remember that you are not alone if you are afraid to speak up at work. The fear of public speaking is extremely common, with some people ranking it higher than their fear of death. So you are definitely not alone. 2. It is a learn-able skill to speak up freely. Taking some self-development and self-growth programs and having a coach/mentor can really help. You don’t need to be an extrovert to speak up at work however you do need to learn to feel more comfortable to speak up at work or in public. 3. Know Your Strengths. Confidence is a result of knowing your strengths. List all of your accomplishments no matter how small they may seem. Look at your daily tasks and see what you are truly good at. 4. Write down what you really want to talk to your boss or colleagues or jot down the points you can contribute to your next meeting. Have someone to role play with you and visualize speaking confidently at work and in meetings with your boss, colleagues and staff. Meanwhile also prepare how to react when you get rejected, challenged or declined. 5. Focus! Change your focus from your own fear, shyness or concerns to how your voice can contribute to others and get interested in what kind of challenges your boss, colleagues and employers could be facing. 6. Practice, practice, practice. Starts from small, from talking to one person you can trust and one question you can ask in a meeting. Don’t stop practicing. 7. Don’t forget to Relax and Reward yourself every time you make progress in speaking up! (Better Lounge for Better You: We are dedicated to bringing Health and Happiness to workforce.)
