Tag Archives: The Speak Up! Series

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Your Voice Connects People

Every leader has a voice. Each voice is unique. That’s what makes it such a crying shame when you and other leaders fail to speak up.

You have a unique way of communicating your message. The way you share and the way you tell stories, you do in such a way that no one can copy you.

Stagehand in a Metallica shirt connecting with audience

Photo by Satria Aditya

And it’s awesome. It’s unique. It’s you!

Your Voice Connects People

More than having a unique voice, your voice does something no one else can. Your voice will connect people to your message. This comes from your unique perspective and communication style.

You might communicate loud and brash. Or you might be meek and mild. Still, you could fall somewhere in-between.

Wherever you fall in your communication style, someone connects with the way you communicate. This is powerful stuff.  Read more...

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The Damage To Your Reputation From Not Speaking Up

The Speak Up! Series

By not speaking up, you’re sending a crystal clear message to those you’re leading and those you’re influencing. You’re sending a message that your voice doesn’t matter.

This may seem crazy to you but it is true. Your silence is screaming at those waiting to listen to you. They desire to hear from you and learn from you.

Man with white and black on his face holding a finger in front of his lips

Photo by Ricardo Mancia

But, when all you do is stay silent, your reputation can be irreparably damaged.

Silence Says Something

When you stay silent, you’re sending a message. You’re saying you don’t believe in what you say. You say you’re unsure you have something of value to contribute. Or maybe you’re saying you don’t know what you’re doing.

Regardless of what message you’re sending when you stay silent, you’re sending a message. A message people are receiving and playing over and over in their minds.  Read more...

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Stop Holding Your Tongue

The Speak Up! Series

There’s a time and a place to hold your tongue. You and I both know this. But we frequently hold our tongue much more than we need to.

We have great ideas. They are life-changing or organizational changing ideas. And we hold onto these ideas without speaking up. We hold our tongues.

A neon sign of the Rolling Stones tongue logo

Photo by Merch Husey

It’s time to stop holding your tongue when it comes to the ideas and insights you have. You’ve been given clarity others have not been given. Stop holding your tongue.

When the opportunity presents itself to share your ideas, share them. Don’t be scared of what others will think. They’re not the one offering up an idea. You are. You’re the one they asked.

Be bold. Be strong. Be courageous in sharing your ideas.

Stop Holding Your Tongue

You have a responsibility to those around you. Your responsibility is to help lift them to the next level. You can do this!  Read more...

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The Benefits Of Speaking Up

The Speak Up! Series

There you sit. Your head is down and you’re not offering your opinion. You’re quiet and waiting for the meeting to be over.

You have this nagging feeling you should speak up. You believe you have something to offer. Yet, you just can’t speak up. You stay silent and the meeting ends.

Boxer in red headgear getting a pep talk

Photo by Xuan Nguyen

Exiting the conference room, you have this sense of dread. You believe you should have spoken up but you couldn’t. You didn’t have the power to use your voice.

How many times does something like this have to happen before you and I realize we need to speak up? We need to share our voice with those we lead. If we don’t speak up, are we truly leading?

That’s something you and I have to think about as we stay silent. We may also need to chew on the benefits of speaking up. When we realize what happens when we speak up, we may be more inclined to share our opinions.  Read more...

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People Are Waiting To Hear From This Person

The Speak Up! Series

Psstt! I’ve got a little secret to tell you. I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say on this one.

I’ve heard rumblings that there’s someone people want to hear from. It didn’t come as a shock to me. However, you may be surprised when you discover who this person is.

Audience members cheering

Image by Nicholas Green

When talking to other leaders, they’ve told me they want to hear from someone who:

  • Excels at their work
  • Is continually striving to learn
  • Implements what they learn
  • Continually reads new material
  • Likes to share how they’ve grown
  • Has helped other leaders evolve
  • Values others above themselves
  • Etc, etc…

The Person People Want To Hear From

That’s quite a list, isn’t it? This person sounds pretty special. And he is.

People want to hear from someone who is constantly learning, treats others well, and loves to help people succeed. Wouldn’t you?  Read more...