The opportunity to express dissent at the workplace is very important in terms of the work efficiency and the overall atmosphere in the team, but it often faces a fundamental problem - most people do not want to hear any dissent. How do I overcome this problem? The professor of communication studies at Texas Christian University, the U.S., Johny T. Garner pondered on this issue on the Harvard Business Review server. He recommends the following procedure.
1. Consider well, who to contact
Whether you want to comment on anything, ask a person who can do something about the matter. If you only want to complain, contact your colleagues, but if you want a change, look for a responsible person.
2. Suggest a solution yourself
If you propose a possible solution rather than just complain it will be difficult for a responsible person to ignore you. You will get a much greater confidence and esteem when you speak calmly and reasonably.
3. Work with facts
Present your disapproval along with other information, which will indicate your critical thinking and rational analysis of the situation. Avoid exaggerated emotional expressions and excessive aggressiveness in the form of threats or ultimatums.
4. Choose the right moment to speak
If you are heard too often, you will be considered a notorious bellyacher. However, if you are never heard, you can contribute to the maintenance of unethical or even illegal practices. The basic rule is - think about the world around you critically. When you feel that a certain thing goes beyond what you consider to be right, speak.
-kk-