Business Ethics – Speaking Up or Keeping Silent?
I have always been an advocate of saying what’s on your mind, but the question here is, is that appropriate in the business world? My answer, Absolutely! To an extent….?
Outspoken Workers
Whether you like them or not, outspoken people tend to prosper in the workplace. They are not afraid of sharing their thoughts or feelings on any particular matter, they are not afraid to speak out in the middle of a board room meeting or talk one on one with the boss in the privacy of his or her office.
Everybody, at some point in time, will have a great idea especially if they know their field of work. The outspoken crowd will be more likely to hit on those ideas in front of coworkers and higher ups. It makes them naturally look good in the eyes of a company, they often look like the type of people that get the job done, they are leaders who appear to always be on the lookout for the company, keeping track of the companies’ best interests.
The Silent Type
In a lot of cases the silent type are more genuine and caring, they are often highly focused on the task at hand but they also tend to be shy and show little signs of power and leadership. Most companies will not look at a shy or quiet person as someone well suited for a management position. That persons inability to speak out in a crowd may affect and/or weaken communication among the employees. Companies are usually looking for people who are strong and not afraid to take charge under any situation.
If you would be considered the silent type, it is time to come out of your shell and let the world know that you are here. I used to be one of you when I was younger, if I were around a group of people I would clam up and have nothing to say. One day I made a commitment to myself that I would change, I would demand to be seen for my skills and expertise and on top of that I would be taken seriously. So the following day I went to work, mustered up everything I had and shared my ideas with all right in the middle of our morning meeting. You know what, people liked my ideas and I began progress in my job, but it wasn’t easy by any means. That morning when my mouth started talking I felt like crawling in a hole from sheer embarrassment. But when it was all over and people were talking about what I had to say, it honestly felt really really good. Oh and by the way, since that day I have had the pleasure of speaking at conferences and seminars in front of hundreds of people, which is something I could have never done had I not taking those steps.
Stay Away from Extremes
While I did have a lot of good things to say about those of you that like to speak up, it can be easy to take it too far. You have to learn when the best and appropriate times are to share your knowledge. I have crossed paths with many people that just blurt out whatever they are thinking at that particular time, and I can guarantee you that nobody likes that, it will come off as though you are only interested in what you have to say and not anyone else in the room.
Once you find that good mesh between silent type and outspoken, you will be amazed at just how fast you can climb the ranks to higher positions and of course the always great pay raise.
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