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Seven Techniques for Expressing Your Opinion at Work
Expressing your opinion at work in a way that does not offend is a skill which not enough of us possess. Many times your opinion, or that of others, will elicit an emotional response from those impacted by those who opine before the opinion is completely stated.
Combining emotions with work? Not recommended! Because society typically encourages us to keep our personal and professional selves completely separate, many people feel as though they are unable to bring their emotions to work circumstances.
The truth is that emotions at work are unavoidable. You will feel and experience emotions at work, just like in any other scenario in life. While you may not always be able to act on emotions, you can accept them and learn when and how to express them. Try these six tactics!
Don’t delay doing it.
How frequently do you say, “I don’t want to talk about it,” “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “It’s not worth talking over” in the face of conflict? The time has come if you keep telling yourself that you’ll “bring it up next time it happens.” Deal with a conversation immediately now rather than postponing it to a more convenient time in the future. So that you can fix the problem and move on, put all of your cards on the table.
Coming out and saying something might seem risky, but there are times when it is exactly what is required. Plan the broad strokes of what you want to say and the result you want after giving yourself or your counterpart some time to calm down, if necessary. But after speaking with them, devise a strategy for leaving. A two-way conversation can be motivating, respectful, and useful after all the mental gymnastics of continually performing them in your head.
Think ahead but don’t script
Before your conversation, making notes and outlining your main points might help you prepare what you want to say. But writing a script is a waste of time. Your conversation partner will not know his or her ‘script’. When, not if things go off track, your plan will be derailed.
But writing a script is a waste of time. Your conversation partner will not know his or her ‘script’. When, not if things go off track, your plan will be derailed. Your approach to the dialogue should be “fluid” and include “a repertory of potential responses.” Keep Your language straightforward, direct, and neutral.”
Be Brief
Don’t belabor your points. Keep the conversation brief and professional. If you begin to go beyond the depth required to make your point or points, you risk confusing the goal of the conversation.
Some people tend to ramble when they get nervous, and this is why you need to stop yourself when you have said your piece. You don’t need to extend this conversation any more than required. Get it done, achieve an agreement, and then move on.
Recognize your opponent’s viewpoint
Avoid approaching a challenging topic with a “my way or the highway” mentality. Consider the following two points before bringing up the subject: “What’s the issue? What does the other person believe to be the issue? ” If you are unsure of the other person’s perspective, acknowledge that you don’t know and inquire.
Convey your care for your counterpart. Take time to digest the other person’s words and tone, and express your interest in understanding how the other person feels. Once you hear it, explore areas where your perspective and that of your counterpart overlap.
Head straight for the source
Cut to the chase when you need to have a conversation with someone that will be challenging or uncomfortable. Direct your request for a mature conversation to the source. It’s best to get involved directly with someone than to start a rumor beforehand because office politics can confuse and worsen the situation. You can always schedule a meeting with your coworker or boss to talk things over if you work in an office setting. Otherwise, request to get coffee or take a walk outside of work if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Be Calm and Determine Your Position
Workplaces might be stressful, but don’t allow that make you lose your composure. It’s crucial to approach a conversation with composure. You might be adopting a bold stance, and that is quite acceptable. But you need to watch that you don’t lose your cool and start arguing over it. When the dialogue starts to take shape, stay assured that you know what you’re doing and don’t let that confidence waver.
Remember, though, that the time to have this type of conversation is not when you are angry! Be certain to be calm and rational. An argument is not what you are aiming for, so take the time to in a solution-focused frame of mind before you engage in this process.
Keep in mind your “why”
You and all of your coworkers are all employed for the same purpose, at the end of the day. You are not attempting to undermine the organization’s success or structure, nor are you attempting to create unneeded controversy. Each of you is present for a reason, or “why.” Try to keep in mind throughout your talk that your employment is vital to you. Because you want to make things better rather than worse, you’re attempting to speak this out and sort it out. Do not overlook that!
Be solution focused. Share that intention when you introduce your conversation intention to your colleague.
Next Steps
We’ve gone through six effective methods for expressing yourself at work, but there are other options as well. Because each circumstance is unique, give it some thought and then develop your plan of action. Remember that in this case, the worst action is inaction!
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