Being a leader at work and in life means having the courage to question authority and express your ideas even if they go against what a person more powerful than you has suggested. The best way to build up that courage – speak up! Have that difficult conversation. Just because someone is in charge doesn’t mean he or she has all the answers. The days when we had to stand there and listen and nod to everything a superior says are long gone. Well…we live in the real world so that’s not exactly true. In the workplace, there is still a hierarchy and a chain of command.
Questioning people in higher positions (or any position) should be done with respect, but it should be done. Especially now that we’ve seen the ramifications of high-powered people doing unethical things which could have been stopped.
Even though the thought of speaking up makes you sweat, consider the consequences of not saying anything. Keeping your mouth shut could end up harming people, the project, or the company.
I’m not going to lie and say that it’ll be easy. But there are ways to make it more likely that your ideas will be taken into consideration.
If you’ve think that it’s best to follow the rules and that you’ll go further by doing as you’re told, it’s no surprise since those messages are hammered into us during the developmental school years. But research has found the opposite to be true. A long-term study examined student characteristics starting at the age of 12 to determine the predictors of career success after 40 years and found that the highest earners were the ones who exhibited defiance and rule-breaking behaviors. From a young age, they were questioning authority. And it paid off.
You may be thinking, “But I’m an adult with a serious job. And bills. I can’t act like a defiant twelve-old.”
Don’t worry. No one wants you to lose your job. There are ways to speak up tactfully.
First of all, make sure that you know the reason that you’re questioning this person. If you are just trying to prove that you know more than someone, then you are going to end up looking like an argumentative fool.
However, if you truly disagree with his or her idea or think that it could be done a better way, then you should set aside a time to speak with the person in private. Take his goals and needs into consideration when preparing for your discussion. Also, be prepared with research and facts. Don’t insult or criticize. First, summarize his or her point to show that you understand it. If there are parts of his idea that you like, point them out. Discuss the mutual goal that you’re both aiming for – the project being completed on time, increasing sales, higher customer satisfaction, etc. Then discuss how your idea will help with that goal.
Expressing your beliefs may cause the person to have more respect for you and could also cause your co-workers to follow your example.
If there is fraudulent or unethical behavior taking place and you don’t feel comfortable talking to the perpetrator, call the employee hotline (if you have one), talk to the manager of that person, or let Human Resources know.
After the conversation, reflect on what worked well and what you would do differently next time. Also, recognize yourself for speaking up. Many people wouldn’t have the courage to do what you did. You’re gaining the courage and confidence to be a leader in your life and career. Congratulations!
P.S. Your conversation may end up being so successful that you end up feeling comfortable enough to express your dissent on a more frequent basis. Building up that courage is great. However, choose your battles wisely. If you’re disagreeing too often, you may be viewed as a difficult person which could lead to your opinions carrying less weight.