RWMC “Own Your Voice” At Work - Week of 9/28/2026
Imagine that you are heading into an important presentation with your boss. You feel extremely prepared, but do not know what questions they may ask of you afterwards.
This is common in the workplace where people do not feel like they own their voice. Owning your voice in the workplace allows you to have your own identity. Being able to own your voice can help you become successful.
According to Thriving Talent Solutions, a consulting company that operates around the world, owning your voice involves understanding your value, being mindful of your words and actions and feeling confident in your ability to speak in meetings.
Understanding your role and influence in the organization is important to owning your voice. Being able to walk the line of knowing when to press versus hold back is an important balance that takes time to find.
According to Gallup, people in leadership positions should be prepared to listen to their employees and have meaningful conversations.
Gallup conducted a poll that found that only 25% of employees surveyed felt that their concerns were taken seriously by management.
Feeling like you are not being heard can hurt morale. Being able to raise these concerns to management in a professional and constructive way will benefit everyone.
There are still ways for employees to find their voice and make an impact, like asking tough questions in meetings. According to the University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources, it is most effective to ask an open-ended question as opposed to a yes or no question.
Owning your voice in this context means being prepared to ask the right questions and get answers on the situation. Not just knowing when to speak up, but the right words in the moment creates a voice.
These principles can be translated from spoken communication to written communication as well. Owning your voice in written communication includes providing clear and understandable directives and including relevant data if needed.
Sometimes it can be easier to convey ideas in writing where you have more time to think about the exact wording that you want to use. Written communication also allows for visual guides which can help convey your point differently.
In the workplace the voice of the employee is meaningful and you do not need permission to use it.
This can occur through speaking and writing. In practice this includes having good relationships with colleagues and management. Being able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing will help amplify your voice.
Finding your voice in the workplace can seem complex, but it does not have to be that way.
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