Bruises: The Price of Speaking Up

The memory of that one-on-one conversation at the PANDA conference still lingers. It was a brief exchange during an icebreaker session, but it left a lasting impression. As I shared my takeaway from the panel discussion, a fellow attendee offered me a piece of advice that would change my perspective. She told me to "go out there and get bruises."

At first, I wasn't sure what she meant. But as I reflected on her words, I realized that she was encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone, speak my mind, and be willing to face challenges. It was a powerful reminder that personal growth often comes at a cost.

Overcoming the Fear of Speaking Up

For many of us, especially women who are often conditioned to be nurturing and agreeable, the fear of speaking up can be even more daunting. We may feel pressure to be 'nice,' to avoid conflict, and to prioritize the needs of others over our own. This can make it difficult to assert ourselves and express our opinions.

But the truth is, speaking up is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows us to contribute to conversations, influence decisions, and build stronger relationships. It also helps us to overcome our fears and develop greater self-confidence.

The Price of Silence

The cost of remaining silent can be significant. It can lead to missed opportunities, resentment, and a sense of dissatisfaction. When we don't speak up, we may feel like we're compromising our values or betraying our own beliefs.

A Personal Story

I recently faced a particularly challenging situation that tested my ability to speak up. I was working on a collaborative project with a team from another company. Our goal is to create a new product that would help and empower people. This is a project that I am deeply passionate about, as it aligned with my personal values and professional aspirations.

At first, I felt like I needed to do more work to provide the right information to back up my initial gut feeling. I spent countless hours researching, analyzing data, and preparing presentations. I was determined to prove that the ideas were valid.

Despite my efforts, I still felt like my voice wasn't being heard. The ideas were constantly being dismissed or ignored. I was becoming increasingly frustrated and disheartened. I began to doubt my own abilities and question whether I was even making a difference or the right person to lead this project.

But then I realized that this project was more than just a job. It was an opportunity to make a positive impact. I couldn't let my fear of rejection or failure prevent me from standing up for what I believed in.

Two weeks ago, was an opportunity to give it a go. I researched enough and I am ready to speak up. I put my thoughts in visuals as it works for me easier to express the idea more, but oh man this was a rollercoaster from “oh my god I share now something which I didnt validate yet with 100 people, to no this conversation goes totally in the wrong direction, to you dont hear what we need, to collecting my emotions and keep the silence in the room as I got totally pissed off. Roller coaster pure: frustration of not be understood, to anger I have enough of it to I dont care what you think. And that was the moment that I got asked another question. As I listened to my inner thoughts I put it out there and didnt care about bruises in this moment. I shared why I am here and why I choose this project and that I dont really see that we go in the right direction.

So I had the opportunity to speak up in a crucial meeting. I expressed my concerns and shared my vision for the project. It was a difficult decision, but I knew that it was the right thing to do.

After two weeks have passed, I am now able to witness the outcome. Despite not experiencing immediate results, I am confident that my input has provided valuable perspective to this project. I'm proud of myself for standing up for what I believe in, even when it was difficult.

A Call to Action

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and speak up for what you believe in. It's not always easy, but it's worth it. Remember, your voice matters.