A coworker named Gidge shared a three-question framework for speaking up at work: Does this need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Is this the right time? Using it shifts communication from noise to purpose, building trust and respect in partnerships.
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You ever wonder how some people just seem to effortlessly build incredible partnerships and connections at work? It is definitely a skill that can really transform your professional life. I was chatting the other day with a coworker, her name's Gidge, and she shared with me a simple yet profound framework that she uses to really build strong partnerships. When I asked her about how she did it, she paused, she said she always asks herself 3 questions. She says, number 1, does this thing need to be said? Number 2, does it need to be said by me? And number 3, does it need to be said said at this time. So think about that for a moment. It's not just about speaking up, it's about speaking up with intent and impact. You know, Gidge's questions encourage us to consider, you know, is this information truly valuable? Is our voice the most appropriate one to deliver it? And is this the right moment for it? This approach, it isn't about holding back, it's really about cultivating thoughtful communication, and it helps us ensure that our contributions are always constructive, they're timely, genuinely helpful to our colleagues and the team? And by asking ourselves these questions, we're not just sharing information, we're building trust and demonstrating respect for everyone's time and their perspective. It's a powerful reminder that the way we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. I hope you found Gidge's wisdom inspiring and hope she encourages you to think a little bit more deeply about your own workplace interactions. Let me know your thoughts about this.