What happens when you feel free to be yourself during a conversation? When do you avoid speaking up in conversations?
When uncomfortable sharing your truth, you may feel disconnected from yourself as well as the folks in the the conversation. There are other costs as well.
Not speaking up sometimes costs lives. It impacts morale, productivity, relationships, and the bottom line. It also erodes comfort, respect, and trust in close personal relationships as well as organizations .
Imagine being in a relationship where you do not feel “safe” to share your ideas, opinions, and wishes. What happens when you do not speak your truth?
You may start hiding parts of you that you think someone else might judge or not find acceptable. You may choose to act small and then avoid any conversation or interaction.
This may mean powerful ideas go unspoken. Hurts remain unacknowledged.
This may lead to both short and long-term consequences.
If you do not feel comfortable sharing your truth in conversation, it may help to ask yourself what need your silence meets.
Is it a matter of safety, ease, or comfort? Notice the difference between the three of ease.
What support do you need to step into your truth? Who offers space for you to share honestly?
I often hear leaders say, “I want to be respected,” or “I wish to be liked” as if you may only choose one. You may choose both.
You may give and receive respect and offer and accept “likability.”
Peace is neither silent nor violent. Connection happens when you share your truth with clarity, and view someone else with compassion and curiosity.
When I train organizations on Creating Connective Communications, at least one leader tells me about a spouse or another family member who might appreciate them practicing these skills at home too.
A sense of freedom occurs when you feel comfortable enough to share your truth. It often increases the level of understanding and deepens connection.
What if you increase the morale, productivity, relationships, and bottom line in your organization through communication?
