Picture yourself in a meeting. How often would you say that you make a comment, ask questions or provide suggestions?
If your answer is something along the lines of: sometimes, on occasion, or rarely, then here’s why being bold and brave is integral in the workplace.
Being bold may have gained a bad reputation in the past, perhaps associated with being outspoken or brazen. For example, having controversial opinions or being candid and forthright. Being brave may have been considered daring and career limiting, especially when choosing to speak up when everyone else is quiet or “calling” someone on their behaviour.
Bold and brave litmus test
Here are some examples of what bold and brave might look and feel like. Can you relate to any of these?
- I ask questions no one else is asking, out loud.
- I let questions be asked of me.
- I make it safe for people to make mistakes.
- I know my true strengths and communicate them to others.
- I have someone else’s back and will speak up on their behalf.
- I ask for feedback and take on what I hear.
- I am comfortable in receiving and providing constructive feedback.
- I am kind to myself e.g. l leave “loudly” to attend a child’s assembly or take a family member to an appointment.
- I actively make connections with others beyond my immediate team/floor/region.
- I walk the talk.
- I take considered risks.
- I demonstrate courage when faced with risk.
- I am authentic and true to myself during work interactions.
- I always give credit where it is due.
- I take full accountability for my actions.
Why trail blaze?
We are continually learning that the “gold” is often hidden within the questions that no else is asking.
However, that is where the challenge lies.
As leaders, colleagues and peers, we need to be particularly attuned to who may have preferences for introversion or people who are extraverted and can think out loud or be super energetic in sharing their ideas.
Four ways to be a trailblazer
Although being put down in the past or feeling unsure of how to speak up can be intimidating, once you step up and are heard, it is a feeling like no other. Here’s how to do just that:
- Ask a question e.g.: “I would love to understand more about…”.
- Reaffirm what has been said e.g. “I echo Jane’s thinking on the potential solution”.
- Or simply acknowledge what value you have gained from being there e.g., “I’ve gained an added layer of insight into the project which now gives me so much more to work with, thank you”.
- Seek feedback from other meeting attendees on how you come across and how you continue to come across.
Being a trailblazer at work is the key to career progression. Not only do you feel like you are actively contributing to the business, the people around you will start to notice what you’ve got to say and realise that you are an important voice and thinker in the company.
Ben Foote, CEO, The Australian Institute of Management
