It's Monday morning and I am sitting at my desk, at my new workplace. I can see people chattering away, reminiscing over their weekend activities as if it’s been about two months ago, that they last saw one another. I hear the footsteps of people trying to place themselves copiously at their desks. I smell the strong aroma of coffee, coming from the kitchenette and I was feeling seemingly out of place, mainly because I couldn’t join in the conversation - I was new as an odd pair of left foot slippers, which no one could fit into, rightly.
Clearly, building connection, on the first day in a new workplace, was not something that came easily to me, back then and of course, not everybody would welcome you in the usual manner that shows you that you should be there in the first place, anyway, so, I maintained my space and draped my curtains around me.
I was meant to figure my steps out, gradually, which I was doing, steadily, but the ball dropped when at one of the meetings a few weeks later, “how does the team measure its collective resourcefulness and how is that improved or maintained for peak performance? I asked, when the team manager asked if anyone had any question or anything to add to the meeting. “You shouldn’t be asking that, you’ve only just joined us, isn’t it? Sarah retorted. Sarah was just a member of the team just like I was, not even the team leader – and the meeting continued as normal after I looked down and paused, before saying, “oh… okay” and nodded.
My question clearly had no place in the scheme of things within the team and there was no comment about it, there and then, nor afterwards.
That incident showed me that everybody at the meeting believed that what had just happened was okay, making me feel that there were things I could or couldn’t say, questions I could or couldn’t ask and obviously the conversations I just shouldn't be thinking of having.
What would you have done if it was you? Definitely if it was now, my response and reaction would have been very different.
So, when you find yourself in situations where your voice is being perpetually or systemically silenced, in the workplace, what should you do?
Here are 5 Ways You Can Find Your Voice and Own Your Space in the Workplace:
Assertive Communication: Practice assertive communication techniques to express your thoughts, ideas, and concerns confidently and respectfully. This involves using "I" statements, active listening, and maintaining eye contact to convey your message effectively while also being receptive to others' perspectives.
Seek Mentorship or Support: Find mentors or allies within the organization who can advocate for you and provide guidance. This could be someone in a leadership position or a peer who has experienced similar challenges. Building a support network can offer encouragement and advice on navigating workplace dynamics.
Document and Advocate for Yourself: Keep a record of instances where you feel silenced or marginalized, including specific details such as dates, times, and individuals involved. Use this documentation to advocate for yourself by addressing concerns with HR, management, or relevant stakeholders in a constructive and solution-oriented manner.
Participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Join or initiate employee resource groups that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. These groups can provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, offer opportunities for networking and professional development, and advocate for systemic changes within the organization.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development: Invest in continuous learning and skill development to enhance your confidence and credibility in the workplace. This could involve attending workshops, pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees, or seeking out opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills. By continuously improving yourself, you can assert your expertise and contribute meaningfully to discussions and decision-making processes.
By implementing these strategies, you can empower yourself to find your voice and assert your presence in the workplace, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for yourself and others.
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