It's common to feel unheard at work, especially when starting a new job or returning from a break. This isn't just a feeling; a 2023 Gallup study found that only 23% of employees worldwide feel truly engaged.
That means, most of us are just going through the motions. I know I was.
I used to keep my ideas to myself, especially after coming back from maternity leave. It felt like it wasn't my place to speak up, thinking others would take the lead. I should be quiet, since I was the one absent.
The same doubts crept in whenever I started a new job. I used to hesitate to challenge the way things were done - even if I was convinced of what would be right. I was scared of rocking the boat and being seen as difficult.
But everything changed when I was on a team with a manager who encouraged us to speak up and take risks. We celebrated each other's successes, no matter the size, and that made it easier for everyone to feel valued and contribute. Suddenly, I felt it was worth speaking up, I could make a change!
That experience taught me a powerful lesson: making an impact isn't about grand gestures. It's about showing up every single day with the intention to contribute. It's about wanting to do it a little bit better, leaving an impact every time. All those little things grow into quite a size over time! When we do that, we create something truly remarkable.
PS: Thank you, Maren Kindler 📸, for capturing moments that empower our voices.
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