Speaking up is hard to do.
We all like to think that if we see something questionable, we’ll say something. However, we are strikingly bad at anticipating how we’ll feel in future circumstances and it can be incredibly difficult to speak up in the moment. In fact, research suggests that most people tend to not act, and then rationalize their inaction.
Source: HBR Ascend. Link. The authors explain what you can do to lend your voice to the conversation or situation:
- First, realize how psychologically difficult, and worthwhile, speaking-up can be.
- Second, work to lessen the social threat that speaking up creates.
- Third, make a plan.
INSIGHTS:
Even though you won’t be able to predict the specifics of every situation, creating a plan for how to speak up can increase the likelihood that you do so when the moment arises.