Build a Team Culture of Speaking Up—and Listening

Speaking up at work fosters innovation, inclusion, and high performance. Here are some thoughts on ensuring your team is a safe community where everyone feels their voice is heard and their contributions are valued.
 
Frame conversations as learning opportunities. Before team meetings and discussions, highlight how learning contributes to your team’s effectiveness and emphasize the importance of hearing everyone’s voice. At the end of meetings, be sure to reserve a few minutes to assess the quality of the conversation and create space for final thoughts.
 
Notice critical moments. Pay attention to feelings of tension or frustration that might emerge when someone speaks up; these are cues to reflect and inquire. This reflection fuels improvement.
 
Implement process tools. Create systems to solicit your team's reflections and feedback and share your own. You might also introduce meeting pauses to discuss interactions requiring more attention. This practice, known as meta-awareness, keeps teams alert to real-time dynamics and helps people feel comfortable speaking up.
 
Focus on long-term learning. Make sure your team isn’t concerned solely with short-term targets. Shift their focus to long-term development by asking questions encouraging reflection on leadership and team growth. Recognize and reward team members who reflect openly and share their own speaking and listening experiences to set a positive example.