The Top 10 Reasons to Speak Up
How often do we remain silent only to feel that we have betrayed someone or
something important to us? My solution is to develop as guidelines the principles uniquely important to us, principles enabling us to recognize those occasions when speaking up is important, perhaps vitally so. Reflecting our values, these principles allow us to rest more easily, more confident that when testing times arise we shall know the alternative which is right for us. I believe that simply going through this process increases the chances of spontaneously and naturally acting in accordance with our integrity. And the Advantages? Implemented, these are the recognitions which strengthen us, stimulate our personal growth and facilitate refreshing sleep free of anxiety and remorse. As I wrote this 'Top Ten,' in comparison with 'The Top Ten Reasons to Remain Silent' I readily discovered double the number of occasions when speaking up was important: perhaps due consideration before speaking is twice as important! Here are my 'Top Ten':
1. To acknowledge kindness, courage, worthy efforts and personal bests.
2. To offer help, assistance, encouragement; particularly to encourage those who have reached for the stars and just failed to reach them … this time!
3. To say 'I love you' … in the way which is appropriate.
4. When the conscience or intuition prompts. How often have you been
in a
silent room where there is something crying out to be said?
5. To share grief or anguish with a trusted friend.
6. To ask for help when doing so is difficult.
7. To encourage the development of creative workplaces which honour all associated: staff, suppliers, clients and customers.
8. To acknowledge being wrong and to apologise. The more difficult the apology, the greater the need to speak and the more we grow.
9. To help identify your personal 'group of ten.' These are those who unfailingly encourage and support you, make you laugh and whose feelings you reciprocate. These are the people you love the most.
10. To spread joy.
About the submitter:
This piece was written by Martin Sawdon who can be reached at martin@coachingworks.ca or
visited on the web at CoachingWorks.ca.
Martin has a special interest in people in the workplace and the creation of
Sustainable Workplaces, corporations which are extraordinarily profitable,
extraordinarily effective if public sector but get there by growing people
rather than consuming them like a fossil fuel. He coaches clients with integrity
and great senses of humor, who are determined to realize achievements beyond
their wildest dreams.
Coaching-Works! has been featured on radio and television.
