Speak Up Before You Leave — Sustainable Ambition

A common career tactical error people, especially women, make is not speaking up at critical junctures in their tenure at companies. They see speaking up as risky and instead often go with the flow and not ask for what they want out of a fear they will be seen as demanding or will be dismissed. Other reasons they may not speak up are that they inaccurately trust that the system will take care of them or figure they are better off not rocking the boat and should instead be the easy-going team player. Given gender bias in the workplace, one can understand their concerns.

Yet, in not asking for what you want, you can cause damage to your own motivation or to your happiness at work. It’s not uncommon for people to end up leaving for their next gig rather than ask their current employer for the opportunity they seek.

If you speak up, you may be able to salvage what might be a good thing. Or, you may learn that the company won’t be able to give you what you are seeking, and you can leave with a clear conscious. All it takes is simply having the courage and confidence to ask for what you want and need.

The Insight: Speak up! Don’t swallow your ask. You don’t get what you don’t request. Push past the uncomfortableness, and ask for what you want.