Speak Up

Here’s what we’re exploring in today’s Wake-Up Call at Work:

✅ The common bias that could be holding you back

✅ A sneaky new PTO trend

✅ A dispatch from the Moms First summit

Let’s dive in!

Quiet Types

Have you ever been asked why you don’t speak up more? 

For some, sharing what’s on their minds just comes naturally. For others, sending that unsolicited Slack message can be a serious source of stress. 

Sure, some of that has to do with how we’re wired, but there’s another piece to consider, says communication expert Jessica Chen . In her new book, Smart, Not Loud, Chen argues that people raised in what she calls “quiet cultures” are “taught to listen more than speak, keep their head down, not create waves, and avoid the spotlight.” These employees bring a lot to the table. 

“They get things done, focus on the work, listen and observe, and tactfully gauge the dynamics at play,” Chen says. “They also can turn off the noise and focus on creating a harmonious environment that can help move the entire team forward in the most frictionless way.”

But these employees often go overlooked. Why? Because corporate America has a bias against quiet culture, Chen says. Employees are expected to be noisy, showcase their wins, and advocate for themselves, which are things that not all of us do intuitively.

Does this sound like you? Here are a couple pointers from Chen to help you stand out in meetings: 

1. It’s often easier to speak up sooner rather than later in team sessions. That means challenging yourself to speak within the first 5 to 10 minutes. Others need to hear your voice because it creates the impression that you’re engaged.
2. Say what’s on your mind the moment you think of the idea. Don’t listen to that voice in your head telling you “it’s a silly suggestion,” “others already know this,” or “it doesn’t matter.”
3. It’s not about saying a lot, it’s about speaking with impact. Here’s a question to ask yourself before you speak: What does my audience care about? If you can focus on answering that, you’ll no longer be thinking about the communication friction, you’ll be thinking about the value you can add.
4. Whatever you say, say it twice. This is a strategic mindset to adopt. When we pitch an idea, give feedback, or make a request, we often say it once and assume that was enough. But you want to either reiterate your point or follow up to ensure your message is top of mind.

Do you identify more with a quiet or loud culture? 

For more of Chen’s insights, check out this exclusive excerpt from her forthcoming book.

Trend Alert

Apparently “quiet vacationing” is all the rage among younger workers. According to a new poll, four in 10 millennials say they’ve gone OOO without telling their bosses — and have scheduled emails or appear active on messaging apps to give the impression they’re clocking in. Check out Bonnie Dilber 's take on what's really behind the trend.

Have you ever taken stealth PTO? Let us know in the comments.

Putting Moms First

I had a wonderful time with Reshma Saujani , Dr. Becky Kennedy , and other amazing leaders at the first ever Moms First summit. It was an inspiring day spent discussing the big ideas that can transform the corporate world and our culture at large to enable moms to thrive in the workplace and beyond. Get a full recap of this fantastic forum right here.

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