Have you ever held back feedback at work because it didn’t feel safe? I’ve definitely found myself sugarcoating my opinions or staying silent altogether, especially after seeing others punished for being too honest. I’m curious, for other women navigating corporate spaces: what makes you feel safe enough to speak up, and what shuts you down? https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/nearly-half-of-employees-stay-silent-at-work-heres-why-its-costing-you-and-how-to-fix-it/91164648
Totally resonate with this. I speak up when I know the leader can handle honesty without taking it personally. Otherwise, I zip it and keep it moving.
Oh, absolutely. If I’ve seen pushback or someone else get sidelined for honesty, I’m way more cautious. I feel safest speaking up when leadership actually listens and acts on feedback, not just nods along. But if there’s a culture of defensiveness? Yeah, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself. How do you navigate it?
Definitely. I am not in a leadership role. currently, but in my negotiations, I have been told I am combative or rude while giving information that is factual. I have been a cused of arguing when I am outlining a persons options and asking how they would like to proceed. I admittedly have a matter of fact way of soeaking as a neuro divergent woman, but the information is 5 my make counterparts who have similar negotiation styles do mot get the sane critiques. I am consciously trying to soften tone and lower my volume, but it is a struggle in every conversation on every day. In meetings I used to be the one to ask questions and not shy away from the questions others were hesitant to ask about performance goals, benefits changes etc. Now after being put on a performance memo, I realize it is not safe to ask. I am being silent in meetings.
This sounds like a toxic environment. That would make me want to change teams or even my company altogether. I feel like my opinion is very much welcomed at my current employer. I would ask myself if this is where I truly need to be if you can't express yourself. That hurts growth.
Absolutely!! I have learned to shut my mouth about everything.
I always start with questions, and once I feel like I have enough information I give feedback and I try to give ideas for solutions when appropriate. I've yet to have any issues.