One of the most frustrating issues I see - in workplaces and personal relationships - is unnecessary stress, resentment and disappointment caused by silence.
Someone gets annoyed that a colleague didn’t deliver work the “right” way, but never actually said what “right” looked like. Another team member gets frustrated when meetings are booked over lunch or late in the day after their finish time, assuming everyone is available - but they never speak up. Instead, they stew, vent to others, and hope it magically stops.
And on the personal front? Maybe you want more affection from your partner, or for them to show love in a certain way, but you’ve never asked. Because it feels awkward. Vulnerable. So you stay quiet and hope they’ll just know.
But here’s the truth: no-one else thinks exactly like you. Common sense isn’t common. And people are not mind readers.
If you want something - from your team, your peers, or your partner - say it. Clearly. Calmly. Kindly. Courageously.
It takes guts to ask for what you want and need. But it’s also one of the most respectful things you can do - for them and for you.
And while it doesn't guarantee you'll get what you ask for, it gives you a much better chance than silence ever will.
Because when you leave people guessing, you set them up to fail.
And when you speak up with clarity and care, you create better outcomes, stronger relationships, and a whole lot less drama.
Leah Mether is a communication and soft skills trainer obsessed with making the people part of leadership and work life easier.
With more than 15 years’ experience working with thousands of clients, and an two acclaimed books to her name, Leah knows what it takes to communicate under pressure. Like you, she knows the challenge of conflict, personality clashes, and difficult conversations.
Leah is renowned for her practical, engaging, straight-shooting style. Utilising her Five Cs® model of communication, she helps leaders and teams shift from knowing to doing, and radically improve their effectiveness.
