Speak Up: Your Job Is At Stake!

How good are you at standing up for yourself?

Do you run the other way when done an injustice or when someone steps on your proverbial toes?

How do you react?

Now's the time to speak up and stand your ground! If you've never done this, you need to master this skill.

How many of you watched the "The Apprentice?" While the show is not the ultimate mirror of corporate life or a guide on how to be promoted, my clients have cited specific show episodes to highlight weaknesses they'd like to improve.

In the "Apprentice" episode during which Jessie was fired, she remained silent in the boardroom while her team members were putting her down. Her reticence was THE reason that Trump fired her. She was timid, and her inability to defend herself made it appear that she agreed with her detractors.

Have you declined to take a stand when you could have? How was that perceived?

Here's a reality check for deciding whether or not to speak up:

Fact #1:
If you are silent when others are accusing you or impugning your words or deeds, you run the risk of appearing to agree.

Fact #2:
If you are silent when someone is making a move into your areas of responsibility, it will seem that you don't care.

Fact #3:
If you are silent because of fear of reprisal or worry about unleashing your temper, you will have lost an opportunity to defend and advance what you believe.

Fact #4:
Not speaking up is worse than making a case but not succeeding.

Here's how this plays out in the workplace:

If a new co-worker or competitor infringes upon your established area of responsibility and you say nothing, you run the risk of losing the business or job! Better to acknowledge the salvo and decide the best course of action.

If it's a co-worker, you could calmly confront the person and re-establish your territory and/or educate him/her on the best way to work with you.

If it's a competitor, ask your client if the account is in play. You might find that the competitor has put in an unsolicited bid for the business! You could then reinforce your position with the client by underscoring your loyalty to the team and how you've contributed to its success.

Now for a specific example of the positive results of speaking up:

When I worked in the HR department of a large corporation, my boss, the HR Director, received a poor performance appraisal. After his unsatisfactory review, he proceeded to demean and blame his staff, making snide remarks within earshot of the person he was singling out. This went on for several weeks until I couldn't stand it anymore. I told the VP ? HR, and he relocated the Director to another floor for the remainder of his time with the company.

This experience resulted in the removal of a person who was demoralizing the entire HR department. Further, I was offered the HR Director job on an interim basis, which became permanent several months later.

More importantly, I believe the VP-HR was impressed with my willingness to take a stand. The assertiveness I demonstrated was a trait that he valued and it established my ability to function successfully in a male-dominated department.

Finally, speaking up serves a threefold purpose. It allows you to convincingly articulate your "case." It provides a platform to exhibit a quality that your boss may highly prize. And if you succeed, it gives you the confidence to use your newfound "voice" in other areas of your life.

The next time you want to speak up, role play your "case" ahead of time with a trusted friend or coach. You may have more to gain than you know.

Dale Kurow, M.S., is an author and a career and executive coach in NYC. Dale works with clients across the U.S. and internationally, helping them to survive office politics, become better managers, and figure out their next career move.

Visit Dale's web site at http://www.dalekurow.com/phone_ebook for information about her latest E-book, Phone Interview Skills Sharpened Right Here!

---

Google News Updated : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:58:10 GMT AMR Plan to Buy 787s Will Update Fleet, Bolster Boeing Program - Bloomberg KING5.com AMR Plan to Buy 787s Will Update Fleet, Bolster Boeing Program Bloomberg - 34 minutes ago By Susanna Ray and Mary Schlangenstein Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- AMR Corp.'s American Airlines said it may buy as many as 100 Boeing Co. AMR overcomes fuel costs to squeeze out small profit MarketWatch AMR 3Q Net Down 74%, To Buy Up To 100 Dreamliners CNNMoney.com Bizjournals.com - International Herald Tribune - Reuters - Flight International all 186 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:24:10 GMT Hurricane Omar gains strength and nears Puerto Rico - Reuters BBC News Hurricane Omar gains strength and nears Puerto Rico Reuters - 1 hour ago By John Marino SAN JUAN (Reuters) - Hurricane Omar strengthened on Wednesday as it bore down on Puerto Rico and the small islands of the northeastern Caribbean, and could be a "major" storm by the time it reaches them, US forecasters said. Omar on the Move. Paloma Next? Washington Post Blogs Hurricane Omar heads for US Caribbean islands The Associated Press BBC News - United Press International - USA Today - NBC 29 News all 2,556 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:12:36 GMT Migraine-hit Janet Jackson to resume US tour - Reuters CTV.ca Migraine-hit Janet Jackson to resume US tour Reuters - 55 minutes ago By Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A rare form of migraine forced Janet Jackson to cancel several dates on her Rock Witchu concert tour but she planned to return to the stage on Wednesday in Washington, DC, her manager said. Jackson was laid low by migraines BBC News Janet Jackson: She's Baaaaack* Washington Post Blogs The Associated Press - eFluxMedia - FOXNews - Access Hollywood all 846 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:02:47 GMT It's officially over: Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing - New York Daily News ABC News It's officially over: Madonna and Guy Ritchie are divorcing New York Daily News - 3 hours ago BY LEO STANDORA Madonna's marriage to Guy Ritchie really is kaput , her rep told the Daily News on Wednesday. "Madonna and Guy Ritchie have agreed to divorce after 7 l/2 years of marrige," Liz Rosenberg said in a statement. Video: AP Exclusive: Madonna, Guy Ritchie to Divorce AssociatedPress It's Official: Madonna And Guy Ritchie To Divorce MTV.com BBC News - The Associated Press - The Gossip Girls - Just Jared all 1,632 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:56:56 GMT Obama’s spending how much on ads? - Christian Science Monitor Times Online Obama’s spending how much on ads? Christian Science Monitor - 1 hour ago By Jimmy Orr | 10.15.08 It’s been a week of non-surprises thus far. Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has been suspended - again. McCain calls for 'voter fraud' inquiry Los Angeles Times A stolen election? Washington Times New York Times - Talk Radio News Service - Boston Globe - Seattle Times all 859 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:03:33 GMT Jerry Jones exposed as gutless by Goodell's ruling - FOXSports.com TSN.ca Jerry Jones exposed as gutless by Goodell's ruling FOXSports.com - 1 hour ago by Ian O'Connor Ian O'Connor is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry," which Kirkus Reviews calls an "exemplary sports history. Video: Dallas' Adam Jones Suspended Again AssociatedPress Give Cowboys credit for not counting on Adam 'Pacman' Jones too much Dallas Morning News Los Angeles Times - New York Times - Fort Worth Star Telegram - Detroit Free Press all 1,080 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:52:30 GMT Polls: McCain forced to play defense in some red states - CNN Telegraph.co.uk Polls: McCain forced to play defense in some red states CNN - 1 hour ago HEMPSTEAD, New York -- New polls out Wednesday in some crucial states that could decide the race for the White House suggest Sen. John McCain is having to defend himself in areas that once were reliably Republican. Union sues over policy banning political material at polling places DetNews.com Pollsters say odds of McCain winning election 'incredibly remote' guardian.co.uk Boston Globe - New York Magazine - San Francisco Chronicle - AFP all 989 news articles Publ.Date : Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:34:00 GMT RSS Feed Reader Increase Traffic

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

How Important Is It To Stand Apart From Others In An Interview And How Difficult Is It?

Any professionally trained interviewer can attest these questions are the... Read More

Job Interviews and The Secret of Selling Yourself

A very effective and persuasive tactic when selling something is... Read More

Find Those People

"The Emperor's New Clothes" was a favorite childhood story of... Read More

Students Searching for a Job

Searching for a job has become easier than ever for... Read More

Self Describing Skills - Key Strengths

You need to be the best you can at describing... Read More

Perceptions

How was your latest car wash experience?Did you take your... Read More

Resumes and First impressions

Hunting for a position in a new career field? Trying... Read More

Find A Job In A Fast Growing Field Using Labor Market Information For Your State

The question confronting most people who want to find a... Read More

Are You Bored By What You Do?

Is your working life in the doldrums? Do you feel... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunities for New Graduates

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Career Opportunities for New GraduatesThis... Read More

Travel Light to Work

As a frequent traveler, my goal for each trip is... Read More

Before You Begin, Know What To Expect - How You Can Make a Living Proof Reading From Home

Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More

Find Passion for Your Work

Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More

Culture Shock

Today we hear much talk of the 'global village'. People... Read More

Getting the Job thats Right for You

I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable... Read More

Which Half Are You?

When more than half of Americans were identified as overweight,... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of 'headhunters'?A. Yes.... Read More

Advantages of Mobile Oil Changes; A Potential Small Business for You?

Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More

Tips For Successful Job Hunting: How To Get A Job Without A Resume

I am in my mid-thirties, and, as you can imagine,... Read More

Surviving Office Politics

It's your first month in a new position and it's... Read More

The Fallibility of Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing has become rampant across industries, more so in... Read More

Learn How to Throw a Boomerang

Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of... Read More

175 Power Verbs and Phrases for Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews

While you're revamping your resume or cover letter or constructing... Read More

The 10 Biggest Career Change Mistakes - And How to Avoid Them

Career change is no walk in the park.If it was... Read More