Work.com blog

A blog about working better together

There are ways to make your voice heard in the office without having to hold a demonstration on Wall Street — or in the company cafeteria. The Occupy Wall Street movement now dominating the headlines demonstrates that those who shout the loudest often get the most attention. But quiet or introspective employees can still make themselves heard without having to undergo a radical personality shift. Here are 4 ways to make your voice heard at work without causing a national scene:

Ask for 1:1 time with your boss

If you find yourself drowned out by your outspoken co-workers in meetings, ask your boss to meet one-on-one. That way, you can share your ideas, thoughts, and input without having to compete with louder teammates. If you feel nervous or inadequate in meetings, 1:1 time may alleviate the social pressure and allow you to articulate yourself with more confidence.

Take advantage of social networking tools available at work

With social media tools like Linkedin and enterprise social software increasingly available at work, it’s easier than ever to give input and be heard without having to speak up. Use these tools to connect with your team, ask for feedback, and give your insights without having to worry about being talked over or ignored. If you find yourself unable to make your voice heard in meetings, send a follow-up email or a message after the meeting with all the things you didn’t have the chance to say.

Show off your listening skills

Since quiet people are less likely to tune out their colleagues and interrupt others, they are often the best listeners. Gain the respect of your co-workers and managers by listening, remembering what they say, and addressing it later. Your team will be impressed that even though you don’t always speak up, you listen to them and respect what they have to say.

Recognize others’ work

The best way to get your work recognized and feel appreciated at work is by recognizing the work of others. Praise is infectious, so, when you recognize others, the power of reciprocity will get you recognized back. When you consistently give and receive feedback and recognition, you’ll gain respect and attention from your team. That way, you won’t have to fight to have your voice heard because coworkers will make the effort to listen to you and ask your opinion.

About

Lisa Skapinker is a freelance writer in Toronto. Previously, she worked in marketing for several Internet and cloud startups, including Rypple, B5Media, and GaggleUp. Lisa is a regular contributor to The Grindstone, where she writes about career issues for women. Lisa holds an honors BA in English Literature from Dalhousie University and an MA in Media Studies from The New School.