Self-Devpt. Nuggets™

Being a Silent Workhorse May Not Always Work Well

You don’t have to be introverted to be guilty of making this mistake. Many extroverted personalities also find it hard to make their true opinions known. We rarely want to rock the boat. But that attitude may quietly backfire against your ambitions. E.g. by denying you reward and recognition you desire – and probably deserve.

It can be good to be a diligent – but silent – work horse. Your boss and/or team members will likely appreciate you. However, sometimes employers also want employees to stand out and think/act differently, especially if it can result in benefits to the company.

NB: This article is written with a focus on career development. The ideas shared in it can however be successfully applied by non-employees, who may find themselves in social groups, clubs or associations.

Two Possible Areas You Can Voice Your Opinion to Make Useful Impact

1. Mode of Dressing In The Company

Every time I’ve seen a photo of Steve Jobs, I’ve never seen him in a tie. It’s strange, considering how successful a business person he was. And also the fact that he related with many people who often wore them…and who probably considered doing so a basic requirement for taking anyone seriously.

In other words, they probably made an exception for Jobs, because he was already “made”. Another person who has an aversion for ties is Richard Branson. It’s unlikely that people who work(ed) for these two men were (are) ever be pressured to wear suits to work.

The resulting relaxed atmosphere probably makes (made) such employees bring their best selves to the job every time – to the benefit of their employers.

But not every company or employee can adopt an informal dress code. It depends on what they do. The question therefore is what about YOU, and YOUR company?

Is it possible an informal dress code can lead to an improvement in morale or performance in your workplace?

Maybe the company next door has done it, and staffs in your company are speaking (enviously) about it in hushed tones.

You do not have to be the CEO or a top manager to bring it up. My personal experience and achievements indicate that your position and years on the job, will not really matter either.

So, would you be willing to make a case to management for it, citing potential benefits to be had?

Big question

NB: I’ve used mode of dressing as an example. You could apply this thinking to any other issues, such as telecommuting, or even work hours (for certain positions).

2. Mode of Operation In The Company

People can get used to a way of doing things, and simply stop thinking about coming up with possibly better ways to do them. Companies that adhere to Best Practice and Continuous Improvement principles are typically able to avoid this pitfall.

Sometimes you may find yourself in a group where the leader voices an opinion, or proposes a line of action, that others immediately accept as being valid.

Possibly they all instantly nod in agreement to it.

However, you, sitting right there amongst them, may actually hold a totally different view. But you may fear getting criticized or disapproved of, if you voice that difference of opinion.

Sometimes you may not even be the only one who feels this way in the group. It’s just that others may also prefer to keep quiet. Later on however, you may hear them whispering their reservations in hushed tones!

You can do better than that, and make a useful difference in the process

Simply develop the habit of tactfully offering your differing views, and trying to get others to see where you’re coming from.

Sometimes it may turn out that you’re wrong. Those with a better understanding of the matter may tell you why and how. It won’t be the end of the world. And you would then not keep wondering about it.

This has happened to me many times.

I once voiced a difference of opinion in a company I worked for, because I had not fully gotten all the details pertaining to an issue. Others who were better informed promptly filled me in, and I stood corrected.

But there were also occasions when I voiced a divergent opinion, and it turned out to be a good thing for the entire group – indeed the company. On a number of occasions, it even led to considerable savings of time and money!

I’ve narrated real life stories in many past articles, of how (during my time in paid employment) voicing my opinion led to significant workplace improvements, and eventual career advancement for me. Here’s one of those articles.

Final Words: Voice Your Opinion, But Don’t Be Rude

This article is not a call for anyone to go around speaking or acting without regard for others.

All I’m saying is don’t let a fear of being different, or getting criticized, make you stifle the urge to suggest potential improvements.

You’re being paid to give your best to the company. Holding back effectively means doing the opposite.

Even if your idea is not accepted, it will be noted as a contribution you’ve made. Many forward thinking companies today get higher productivity, because they reward employees for number of suggestions they make.

If yours is not already doing that, that’s probably another potentially useful idea you should not hold back from voicing to decision makers!