Why Your Voice Matters More Than You Think
I had a conversation with a client last week that really stuck with me.
She is really brilliant, has great ideas, and genuinely cares about her team. But in meetings, she is very quiet.
When someone makes a comment that doesn’t sit right with her, she lets it slide.
When she has the perfect solution to a problem that everyone’s struggling with, she keeps it to herself.
“I don’t want to rock the boat,” she told me.
Here’s the thing: staying quiet is not serving you at all!
It’s actually doing the opposite.
Firstly, it’s your job as a leader to speak up, share your ideas, and help solve business issues.
Secondly, your voice is an essential leadership tool.
Every time you stay silent, you are missing a chance to make things better.
This doesn’t mean that you need to be the loudest person in the room or dominate every conversation.
But it does mean using your voice when it matters.
When You Need to Speak Up
There are key moments when speaking up isn’t optional:
1. When someone says something hurtful or offensive.
If you stay silent, others will think that you are aligned with the disrespectful person. A simple, “I don’t think that’s appropriate,” can shift the entire dynamic of your team and ensure that you are creating a high-trust environment.
2. When you have a solution to a problem.
It is likely that your solution or idea will serve someone in the room. Your perspective might be exactly what unlocks their progress.
3. When a team member needs support.
If you notice someone struggling, speak up and offer to help them. Sometimes people just need to know that you see them.
4. When you have something valuable to add.
Your experience and insights have value. Share them.
It’s Not About Your Personality Type
It doesn’t matter if you are introverted, shy, or prefer to process things internally.
Speaking up as a leader isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about recognizing the responsibility that comes with your role. It is about stepping into your executive presence.
You can speak up in your own way.
Maybe that’s asking thoughtful questions instead of making bold statements. Maybe it’s having one-on-one conversations instead of speaking up in large groups.
Find what works for you, but don’t let your personality type hold you back from having your voice heard.
We Need Your Voice
- The world needs leaders who are willing to use their voice for good.
- Your workplace needs your perspective.
- Your team needs your support and ideas.
What’s happening around you right now that goes against your values?
What problems could your insight help solve?
Who on your team could use your encouragement?
That’s where you start speaking up.
Your voice matters more than you think. It’s time to use it.
