Why its Important to Speak your Mind at Work
Everybody has those times when you wish you had said something but chose not to. If it's becoming a habit, however, then it's time to revisit your workplace behavior. According to an article on theForbes website, “keeping silent hurts you in the long run”. It seems that the less you say, the less likely you are to succeed at achieving your career goals. Here's why.
Develops your reputation
Career professionals need to develop a strong reputation, based on innovative, practical ideas and a willingness to think creatively. If you never speak your mind, then you are seriously restricting your capability to demonstrate your real potential. Business meetings are often dominated by a small percentage of the attendees. That doesn't mean that they have all the ideas, it just means that they are the ones that are prepared to stand and be counted.
Demonstrates commitment
If you are committed to your role, then you will work tirelessly to ensure that you succeed. If you don't challenge issues that are presented and speak up about new ideas, then you are highly unlikely to demonstrate commitment to your peers and leaders. People that are passionate about what they do are also highly vocal and willing to express their ideas. When you speak up, your ideas AND your enthusiasm resonate with those around you.
Helps you become influential
You cannot influence effectively if you aren't prepared to voice your thoughts and concerns. If you just go along with every decision and statement, then you are simply demonstrating your capability to be influenced. Influencing others is an important management skill and shows that you can lead people to success, both in the short-term and more strategically. As highlighted on Forbes.com, “once your voice is discovered, it can help mobilize your influence in ways that connect you with the other prominent voices in your organization.”
Creates opportunities for you
Whether you like it or not, much of your success is dependent on how you influence those around you, and internal opportunities rarely manifest themselves as job advertisements. When there are development opportunities, new projects, secondments or simply opportunities to talk to senior managers, those who consistently speak up will be remembered. Quiet people may well be effective, but the reality is that they also get forgotten.
When your ideas are heard, it gives you the confidence to come up with more in the future. Seeing your suggestions turned into actions is inspiring on any level, regardless of the scale of what it is that you've proposed.
