"What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"
— Angie Thomas, "The Hate U Give”
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
What do you need in order to take a stand? Think about that for a moment...
take a stand /idiom/
to express one's opinion
Adopt a firm position about an issue
Taking a stand whether for oneself, someone else, or for a larger cause, is not always easy. Maybe it’s not your nature to speak up. Perhaps staking a stand conjures up fear of retaliation or professional repercussions if your opinion or view is different from the company’s culture. But I ask you;
What’s the alternative?
Iyanla Vanzant, in the book, Acts of Faith, offers this perspective to encourage the reader:
All that we ever need to be, to do, to know, to have is available.
All we need to do is take a stand.
How do you want to show up? Visualize what that looks like for you...
It takes courage, no doubt. Psychology Today shares these strategies as a guide:
How to Speak Up and Take a Stand:
(by Marcia Reynolds PsyD, psychologytoday.com)
1. Speak for yourself: Use the word “I” when you state your point of view and suggestions for action. Own your opinion. Tell people what you believe. Claim your recommendations even if you want to credit others for their ideas you included.
2. Summarize your backstory to show your reasoning: Highlight the story that led you to this moment, demonstrating why you think there is a problem or opportunity. Don’t include every detail. Don’t explain everything. You will lose those people who need you to get to the point quickly. When you practice, explain yourself, then cut your story in half.
3. Describe the desired outcome: This is where you paint the picture of the best possible ending if your request is honored. Make sure it is a vision that will appeal to those you are speaking to, that it also relieves their pain and helps with their goals.
4. Declare your expectation: To establish your credibility, you need to prove that you thought through the steps, possible pitfalls, and effects on everyone who could be affected by your request. Then you can state the actions necessary as something you expect to happen since the results are worthwhile. Be open to someone saying you missed something in your calculations. Their point can help you determine what’s next.
5. Compromise only what you can live without: If people want to negotiate your request, accepting their offer could get closer to what you want. Remember that negotiations tend to be lose-lose scenarios. Be sure you will wake up tomorrow feeling okay about what you gave away.
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” – Maya Angelou
What are you willing to do? You choice, it's up to you...
Don’t miss your opportunity. Be intentional. Encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
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References:
How to Speak Up and Take a Stand
Vanzant, Iyanla; Acts of Faith: Daily Meditations for People of Color. Atria, New York, NY 2020.
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