There’s a lot written about “finding your voice” – but what is that? Is it literal, like being able to speak up when you are intimidated? Is it being articulate when you do speak up? What about just sorting out your opinion about something, and having a take on it, even if you never communicate it to anyone?
Yes to all. And many more.
The critical point about “finding our voice” is that once you find it, you can still choose how and when to use it. If people are under the mistaken impression that you do not have a voice simply because you do not choose to use it, that’s on them, not on you.
One of my beautiful mentors is a masterful room-reader. She can sort out individuals’ motivations and perspectives through their words, body language, titles and personalities. She didn’t always choose to use these observations to engage and influence the progression of events in the moment. Sometimes, she used back channels, side bar conversations, follow up calls, or one on one meetings with stakeholders, to engage and influence.
She shared observations with team leaders, helped to validate and reinforce our strategies. She is always soft spoken. Yet she has one of strongest voices I’ve ever had the benefit of learning from.
Finding your voice is a lot like defining a desired outcome. What is your driving force? Can you articulate – just for yourself – the conditions you want to create for yourself? How do you want to be, want to act? What feels right?
Find those anchors, and you will more easily determine for yourself how and when to use your voice to best serve you.
Would you like to explore what finding your voice means for you? Sign up for a free mini-session, and let’s talk.