Voicing their opinions • 2 min read
Research on “realistic optimism” (the ability to balance out negative and positive aspects in situations and people around us) shows that when we set out to do difficult, personally meaningful things, we’re more likely to follow through if we expect that the task will be challenging.
In speaking up, as in life, one must appreciate the difference between believing you will succeed and assuming that you will do so easily.
Introduction
magine your employees have brilliant ideas that could propel a project forward, but when the time comes to voice them in meetings, they hesitate.
As a leader, fostering a culture where your people feel confident and empowered to contribute is essential for innovation and collaboration. Below are strategies to help your workforce boost their confidence and speak up when it matters most.
1. Foster a supportive workplace community
Encouraging employees to build authentic relationships with colleagues cultivates a network of support and trust within your organisation.
Workplace allies are invaluable for personal and professional growth. They provide encouragement, offer a listening ear, and create a safe space for your team members to express their ideas without fear of judgement. This foundation of trust helps employees feel more confident in sharing their perspectives during meetings.
2. Encourage early contributions
Author Kirsti Hedges, in her book The Power of Presence, emphasises that individuals who voice their ideas in the first few minutes of a meeting establish themselves as active contributors.
Help your people adopt this approach by fostering a meeting culture where early contributions are welcomed and valued. Encouraging employees to share their thoughts early prevents hesitation and builds momentum, making it easier for them to engage throughout the discussion.
3. Leverage introverted strengths
Introverted employees often bring unique strengths to the table, such as being observant, reflective, and strategic. Leaders can harness these attributes by promoting preparation and active listening.
Encourage your introverted team members to research topics in advance, outline their thoughts, and plan questions or comments. During meetings, their ability to summarise discussions and offer thoughtful perspectives can add significant value. When individuals validate others' ideas or ask insightful questions, it fosters collaboration and mutual respect.
4. Promote a growth-oriented mindset
Your employees were hired because of their talents and expertise—remind them of this to reinforce their confidence.
Meetings should be seen as collaborative problem-solving opportunities where every team member holds a piece of the puzzle. By contributing their ideas, even if those ideas aren’t fully formed, your people can inspire innovative thinking and group breakthroughs.
Encourage your workforce to view their input as stepping stones rather than final answers. This mindset helps shift the focus from individual performance to collective success.
Key takeaways
Building a trusted work community provides employees with a network of support, boosting their confidence to speak up during meetings.
Preparation is key. Researching and planning contributions in advance equips team members with the readiness and self-assurance to participate actively.
Emphasising the value of diverse perspectives helps employees shift their mindset from fearing judgement to focusing on the collective intelligence of the team.
Think big, act small
Encouraging employees to speak up in meetings is one of the most effective ways to raise their visibility, build trust among colleagues, and strengthen your organisation’s collaborative culture.
As a starting point, challenge your team members to contribute at least once in every meeting. Suggest they prepare comments or questions in advance to help ease the process and boost their confidence. Small steps like these can lead to meaningful changes in their engagement and your organisation’s success.
Content sources
Forbes, Adi Gaskell, ‘Why People Don’t Always Speak Up At Work’
Forbes, Jennifer Reimert, ‘Four Ways To Find Your Voice At Work’
Forbes, Chrissy Scivicque, ‘How To Find Your Voice At Work’
Harvard Business Review, Tijs Besieux, Amy C. Edmondson, and Femke de Vries, How to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking Up in Meetings
Harvard Business Review, Khalil Smith, Heidi Grant, and David Rock, ‘How to Speak Up When It Matters’
Harvard Business Review, Alison Shapira, ‘How to Speak Up in a Meeting, and When to Hold Back’
Mindtools.com, ‘How to Get Your Voice Heard in Meetings’
Psychology Today, Carol S. Pearson Ph.D., ‘Leadership Lessons for Effectively Speaking Up.’
Psychology Today, Mark Minikas, ‘Do You Dare Speak Up in Your Company?’
TedEx, Jennifer Brown, ‘Finding your voice in the workplace’
Thriveglobal.com, Gerry J. Tucker “3 Keys to Finding Your Voice in the Workplace’
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