HAVE YOU THE...
www.icenimagazine.co.uk
Issue 76 2019
Have You The Confidence To Speak Up? There are times when we could kick ourselves, aren't there? There was something we wanted to say, an opportunity to join in and contribute, but we hesitated and the moment passed. Irritatingly, someone else may have even then inadvertently offered our pearls of wisdom and received a great response. If only we'd had the confidence to speak up! At work, finding the confidence to speak up can be a mixed blessing. If we put ourselves out there, with all that it entails, will we then be regarded as someone who doesn't toe the line, a trouble maker or a know-it-all? Some people fear voicing opinions at work; might there be reprisals, could it jeopardise their promotion prospects, put a ‘black mark’ next to their name? As an employer, it's important to provide an environment where staff feel safe to share ideas and concerns, knowing they'll be taken seriously.
Or, even worse, might something said be perceived as stupid or inappropriate and result in being ridiculed? Meetings and presentations can be especially vulnerable situations for someone who's feeling low on confidence. The prospect of standing up and having to speak out loud can be daunting. In family and social settings, many people prefer to avoid confrontation and keep quiet or go along with things, choosing it as the safest option. And, indeed, there are times when smiling and saying nothing is a preferred course of action. Not everything needs to be debated or analysed. But, over time, not speaking up can change a relationship's dynamics and affect its balance. Having open, respectful channels of communication can mean that nothing’s simmering or left unsaid and everyone feels included and valued, able to say what's on their minds. PAGE
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