Two hundred and twenty-five years ago today the bill of rights was ratified in the United States. The first amendment states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
In celebration of this day, take a minute and recall the long history of people valuing the need and right to speak up. Of course there is an art to speaking up in a way that people can hear us.
Here are 5 tips for speaking up at work:
- Ask questions to understand what is expected of you?
- If you do not agree with a workplace practice or behavior communicate it in a conversation rather than in a passive aggressive manner.
- Look for solutions rather than problems. Once you identify a problem consider and brainstorm with others for a solution.
- Keep focused on the solution even if you sound like a broken record.
- Listen to others when they speak up. They might be saying the same thing you are trying to say.
We want to know what you think. What other tips do you have about speaking up at work?
Seeds of Civility is a blog that is created by The Wallace Centers of Iowa. We cultivate conversations about leading (and developing emerging leaders) with civility.