“Janice” is frustrated with herself. She and her team are dealing with a situation that is complicated by a decision made last year, without her input. At the time, she knew discussions were happening, but she was not invited to those meetings. She felt slighted that her input was not requested, but figured they must not need it. Other things were occupying her attention, so she swept it under her internal rug.
Now, months later, she can see the problem clearly as well as complications down the road if things stay as they are.
Janice has a good relationship with her leader and peers and describes the company culture as collaborative and friendly. But, it is now evident to her that some things go unaddressed because people don’t want to ruffle feathers, especially those of certain people with seniority and very protective of what they do.
Lessons learned. If she had been in the meetings, she would have brought up a perspective that other leaders did not think about. Just because they have more seniority doesn’t mean they will look further down the road when making decisions. She would have talked about the potential ripple effects and the problems they would cause. Now, they face the potential of a more serious problem if changes are not made.
From this and other experiences in the last year, Janice has become more confident in herself, her role, and her relationships with her leader, her peers and her people. If it were happening today, she would ask to be included in the meetings, with good reasons why she should be there.
A number of things contributed to Janice not speaking up last year. She is the least senior on the leadership team. She expected they would ask for her input. She now knows they don’t necessarily even think about the perspective, questions and insights she brings to discussions.
Speaking up, especially when it goes against the grain, is a vital part of every leader’s role. How it is handled – your approach, tone of voice, content – is key to how what you have to say will be accepted.
Next week I’ll talk about the value in having a “speak-up culture.”
