Knowing how to own your voice in the workplace to be an agent of change can help make work more equitable and inclusive. This simply requires you to be braver than normal, have a little more courage than those around you, confidently speak up, and create the change that you truly want to see.
We’re sharing with you 4 critical skills to utilize and find your voice in the workplace.
4 Critical Skills to Utilize and Find Your Voice in the Workplace
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Learn when to say ‘no’
Learning and knowing when to say no doesn’t make you a bad person. It’s in this moment that you understand the importance of truly exercising your right to simply say no. Many times, saying no is associated with being rude or uninviting, but on the flip side, saying no is actually a sign of strength and owning your voice. Don’t become a pushover to please others, know when to say no and don’t be afraid to say it as many times as you see fit.
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Take the first step
There’s a saying that goes, “the first step is always the hardest,” and that couldn’t be any more truer. Whether your first step is something you’ve anticipated for years – taking that first step feeling is universal. We encourage you to take the first step in finding and owning your voice and quiet down those negative voices by changing your inner dialogue. Remember, you deserve a seat at the table just as much as the next person.
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Don’t be afraid to speak up
Speaking up can be extremely daunting, especially when owning your voice comes into play, but speaking up goes hand-in-hand with owning your voice and story in the workplace. If you have a brilliant idea, share it. If you know you’re well versed and educated on a topic, speak up. You never know what that moment may mean for you or someone else by simply speaking up, so don’t miss that chance – go for it!
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Change your talk track
We’re all pretty familiar with that little voice in our head that tends to feed us self-doubt. That negative talk track is such a distraction and contributes to us being our own worst critic. One of the most effective ways to eliminate this inner critic is to simply embrace all that you are and all that you’ve accomplished.
Remember: if you want to excel in all that you do, silence that negative inner ego and be open minded in continuing to own your voice in the workplace.
