Wish you could be
bold and take a stand at work? There is much focus on being a team player that
few dare to speak up or speak out, even when they feel strongly about
something. Most rather play it safe than ruffle any feathers.
By keeping your head down and going with the flow,
you could be missing out on opportunities to advance your career. There are
times when having the courage to take a stand will benefit you. Here are six
opportunities to take a stand and be a leader.
1.
The team lacks direction.
There are times when you probably want to bang your
head against the wall because your team does not know what to do. Your
teammates are spinning their wheels, wasting time at meetings or going back and
forth on emails thinking through various options. This is your opportunity to
step up and stop the nonsense. This is your opportunity to stop wasting time,
money and energy.
You could say, “Based on what we know, this is what
we need to do next” or “This is our best option, I suggest we implement it.”
Provide guidance to your team. Your colleagues will thank you. They want
someone to step up and lead. Be that person.
2.
There is an elephant in the room.
Sometimes
there is a decision that everyone knows must be made but no one wants to pull
the trigger. If everyone knows what needs to be done, be the one to say
it. Leaders have the courage to say what needs to be said.
3. A
bigger picture exists.
There may be instances when you realize that people
are making decisions without perspective. For example, your team is being
transactional towards the client on a project and not thinking about taking the
time to develop and nurture the client relationship to secure a longstanding
future. Or your colleagues are perfecting your company’s website when you have
agreed that what is most critical is getting something out on the web first and
then making adjustments where necessary.
Say something if you see people being "penny
wise and pound foolish." Leaders provide perspective and redirect people
from the unimportant to the important.
4. There is something to be passionate about.
If you feel
strongly about an idea, say something. Don’t hold back. Have the courage to say
what you feel strongly about. Passion is what drives leaders, and it is
inspiring.
5. The numbers tell you what to do.
On the other
hand, if you know the numbers that will allow your colleagues to make informed decisions,
say something. Let your colleagues know that while one way may feel like the
right way, the numbers tell a different story. Speak up and add value.
Data-driven decisions are critical to successfully doing business.
6. Being respected is more important than being liked.
Stop focusing on whether people like you or not. Successful
leaders do not make decisions to gain attention or popularity. Alibaba founder
and businessman Jack Ma said, “I don’t want to be
liked. I want to be respected.” Leaders take a
stand because they know what is right. They take a stand to do right. Focus on
what must be done for the good of the organization and to achieve a goal
greater than the preferences of any one person.
People notice
when you take a stand. It shows courage. It shows leadership. Don’t risk losing
out on opportunities to speak up and hold your ground.
When and how have you taken a stand and demonstrated your
leadership? Share with me your stories and thoughts in the comments section
below or via Twitter or LinkedIn.
Avery Blank is a millennial impact
strategist, women's advocate, and lawyer who helps others to strategically
position and advocate for themselves to achieve individual and organizational
goals.
No comments:
Post a Comment