We are all unique, and that’s what makes the world such a diverse and interesting place. When you’re at work, you may encounter a host of different personalities, and sometimes, you can find yourself in situations where you’re out of your depth, or you feel like you’re being overpowered by others. If you’re not a loud, outgoing person, it can be hard to get a word in, but don’t let this hold you back. If you’re keen to make your voice heard, here are some tips.
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Arrange smaller meetings
If you find that you can’t get your message across or share your opinions in a room full of people, suggest arranging smaller meetings and getting together with groups of people separately. It’s a lot easier to communicate with five other people than fifty, and changing the way you work could have advantages for others who feel like they’re being overruled by bigger characters. Speak to your line manager or the person who organizes meetings and suggest that the floor is opened up to everyone.
Speak to your boss
If you feel like you’re not being given a chance to speak or others are getting a larger share of the spotlight, speak to your boss. It may be a simple case of louder people making their voices heard, but in some instances, there may be a feeling that others are favorites and you’re being overlooked. A good boss should give everyone a chance. If you raise issues and there’s no improvement, be persistent. Learn to spot the difference between office politics and deeper issues. If you feel like you’re being bullied or discriminated against, this is a serious issue you shouldn’t ignore, and it’s wise to seek advice from a legal professional like Benedict Morelli. There may be crossed wires or miscommunication, but if you feel strongly that you’re not being given the same opportunities as others, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Be more confident
Often, we hold back in situations like meetings and conferences because we lack confidence in our own abilities. It can be difficult to speak up if you’re not completely comfortable in large crowds of people or you’re worried about what others will think about your ideas, but try and have confidence in yourself. There’s no reason why other people should have any more air time than you, and you might find that your ideas and opinions go down a storm. The more you speak up, the more comfortable you’ll feel and soon, you won’t think twice about sharing your thoughts.
Ask for feedback
If you’re worried that your potential is being overlooked or you’re struggling to get where you want to at work, don’t be afraid to ask questions and get some feedback. If you’ve been hankering after a promotion, for example, it’s worth asking why others have been considered and what more you can do to improve your chances.
We all have days when we come home from work feeling frustrated, but if this is a common occurrence, it can affect your mood, and make you dread every working day. If you’re finding it difficult to get a word in, take these tips on board, and don’t let anyone bully you or make you feel uncomfortable.
