6 Times When You Need to Speak Up At Work

Being an advocate for your career can be empowering and increase your confidence. There will be times when you need to speak up at work. When this happens, you must use good judgment. Although speaking up can make some people feel uncomfortable, leaving things unaddressed can unravel more significant problems.

Here are six situations when you need to speak up and communicate with power.

1. When you've been passed over for a promotion

You were excited about the opportunity and knew you were an intense match, looking forward to an offer being extended. Instead, you received a rejection email. Only to find out that one of your co-workers was offered the position with less experience and tenure.

What Not To Do: Don't get upset, but it's ok to be disappointed. Stay positive! Do not view it as a defeat or failure. Think of it as this was not your time, or a better position will become available soon.

What You Should Do: Ask for feedback from the hiring manager who interviewed you. Send an email thanking them for the opportunity, and then request a day and time to meet. Let them know the purpose of the meeting is to create a development plan for your future success.

2. When You've Experienced a Microaggression or Bias.

Microaggressions are indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against people of a minority group. They can be subtle or blatant. For example, "I thought all of you liked Hip Hop music?" or "Is that your real hair?" Of course, these questions might make you cringe, but take a moment to assess their intention.

What Not To Do: Do not internalize or allow the comments to be a trigger. The person may not recognize how their behavior is being perceived.

What You Should Do: Assume good intent and be willing to give feedback.

Option 1: If you choose not to explain. Then be direct and respectfully tell your co-worker these types of questions can be viewed as stereotyping and how it makes you feel.

Option 2: Answer the question, but challenge it so you can create cultural awareness by asking, "Why do you assume that I like Hip Hop?" or "Why do you assume this is not my real hair?" Again, you can respectfully and directly address the comment and use it as an opportunity to educate your co-worker (s) on how their questions could be viewed as stereotyping. Help them understand there are ways to understand cultural differences and minimize the possibility of offending or judging others.

3. When your Co-worker or Peer is Disrespectful or Rude

If a co-worker is blatantly rude or disrespectful, their behavior must be addressed immediately. It's one thing to have a misunderstanding or miscommunication; it's another if the behavior is intentionally discourteous.

What Not To Do: React with anger. Your best course of action is to remain calm and rational.

What You Should Do: Use sound judgment to decide if the incident calls for mediation. If so, ask someone from HR or a Manager to participate as a mediation witness. If the behavior was a minor infraction, make the call to address the person one-on-one and come to a respectful understanding. Make sure to document, then notify your manager about the conversation for the record. Also, be mindful that your intention to be direct may not have the outcome you were hoping for.

4. During Your Performance Review

Your performance review can be a great time to discuss everything, from current and past performance to your desired career path, salary evaluations, increases, and professional development. Maximize the opportunity to get what you need to support your career goals. If you were expecting a favorable review, a raise, or further responsibility, and it didn't happen, this can be a letdown.

What Not To Do: Show up for your review unorganized, with a negative attitude, defensive, or entitled.

What You Should Do: Ask for what you want. Be prepared with a list of accomplishments for the year, exceeded goals, completed training or projects, recognition, etc. Show that you deserve a raise or recommendation for other projects or internal opportunities to increase your visibility. If your performance needs improvement, remain positive and coachable. Ask for feedback and, most importantly, speak up and ask for support for your professional development and growth.

5. When a Peer or Co-Worker Steals Credit for Your Work

Yes, dishonest people with a less-than-desirable work ethic can or will take the credit for others' work. If you've experienced this firsthand, it can be infuriating. However, there are ways to handle your idea-stealing co-worker and come out on top.

What Not to Do: Blow up or confront in front of peers, co-workers, or leadership.

What You Should Do: Go to your manager with proof that the idea was yours, so it's on record where it originated. Then, respectfully discuss with your co-worker what they've done and establish boundaries. Make it known you will be taking precautions to protect your work to ensure it doesn't happen again.

6. When you are the target during the blame game.

There is always a co-worker or manager who is more than willing to throw someone else under the bus to save themselves. When this happens to you, it can piss you off to no end because now your credibility is on the line. So, how do you handle it when the blame game is played on you?

What Not to Do: Blame others, too, or say negative things about the employee who's doing the blaming. Keep your cool and, most importantly, your integrity.

What You Should Do: Explain things clearly. If there is a communication breakdown, show accountability for your part in the issue. Then seek to understand the other person's thought process responsible for the blaming and address the issue head-on. Offer solutions on how you can both proactively work together to prevent further issues from escalating. Learn each other's work or communication style. This will help when working through the conflict and establishing boundaries, and could also create a collaborative working relationship.

Speaking up at work can be empowering if done strategically. You do have power, and it's your voice, so use it! Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and the career you are working hard to build.