If we each want to lead from wherever we are, regardless of our position or title, it is essential to have the courage to share our point of view. What I notice in many of my coaching sessions is that people are sometimes fearful of presenting an opposing view from the their team members. When we talk it through some of the comments are:
“I’m not sure what I have to offer is the right approach. What if I am wrong?”
“No one will listen to what I have to say anyway.”
“Once the team lead makes a decision they never will change their mind.”
“It’s just easier to go along with the current plan.”
The excuses are vast and can even seem to make sense to a leader who is uncomfortable expressing an unpopular or an alternative point of view. Yet the bigger issue at stake is asking ourselves: If I don’t present my opinions to the team, what could happen?
Here are four steps how bold leaders use their voice:
1. Do Not Fall Into Group Think
When we are part of a team or even collaborating with a small group on a project, we can sometimes fall into the trap of going along with the overall consensus. With some team decisions that consensus may be the way to go. On the other hand, I worked with a young leader who had a very different outlook on the way a process should be handled. She was unsure how to tell her boss about her ideas because she felt it was risky speaking up. Then we talked about the real risk– if she didn’t say something the inefficient process in place could result in a client leaving.
2. Conduct Proper Research
To be a credible and dependable leader, we need to do our homework before sharing any suggestions. Presenting your perspective on a “hunch” is not the best way to be heard. For those leaders who tend to listen to their “gut” when offering an opposing argument, think again. Here are some strategies to consider when preparing your presentation:
- Become highly familiar and comfortable with all the facts.
- Talk ahead of time individually to other members of the team or group to get a feel how they may respond. Often, the meetings before the larger meeting pave the way for successful divergent perspectives.
- Listen to really understand why team or group members see things differently. Then maybe go back and revisit the research and processes.
3. Write Out and Practice What You Will Share
Leaders owe it to themselves to take the time and clearly decide how they want their perspective to be presented. That means that leaders need to prepare thoroughly for what they want to share. If we want to offer an alternative view with clarity and purpose, it is always best to first write out what you want to say. Including stories can be a very powerful way to have your perspective shine through. Then, to sound polished and speak like an expert, practice what you want to express. Say it out loud, several times in order to have total command of your words and body language.
4. Present with Confidence
To really have team members consider our different perspectives, leaders must present with confidence and courage. No one will listen to us if we are wimpy and don’t exude presence.
- Use a loud enough voice to be heard without sounding arrogant or demanding.
- Use a tone that modulates so you can stress certain points.
- Smile and look at the team members with good eye contact.
- Don’t rush, but rather take your time. Not everyone receives information at the same rate.
- Always leave time for questions. Remember to answer them calmly without becoming defensive.
What other strategies have helped you be a bold leader using your voice?
Click here if you need some help sharing different perspectives with your team or group.