Learning to Speak Up🌱

This week got me thinking about how I handle situations at work, especially when I feel disappointed or let down by people I work with.

There was a situation involving our support team that had been on my mind for a while. Their contract had come to an end, and although we knew this was happening, I found myself disappointed by how things unfolded afterwards. We had a review covering work they had previously supported, and during that period, they were not available to provide the kind of support I had expected. There was no real check-in or effort to help us navigate the process.

I understood that their contract had ended, but I also felt that, given the working relationship we had built and the work they had supported, there could have been a better sense of continuity. I felt unsupported, particularly because having that team alongside us during reviews had become part of how we worked.

When the contract was eventually renewed and they returned, I realised I was still carrying that disappointment. Rather than pretending everything was fine and allowing the feeling to affect how I interacted with them, I decided to communicate it directly. I explained that I had been unhappy with how things had been handled, particularly during the proceeding review and that I had expected more effort and a greater sense of teamwork.

I was careful to communicate the concern respectfully, focusing on what had happened and how it had affected us rather than making it personal. Their management later apologised and acknowledged that they could have handled things better.

What surprised me most was not the apology, but how I felt after speaking up. I felt relieved. I was proud that I had addressed something that bothered me instead of keeping quiet, withdrawing or allowing resentment to build. A colleague later mentioned that they were impressed that I had actually followed through and communicated my dissatisfaction. They thought I had handled it maturely. That recognition felt good, especially because I had not spoken up to get anyone's approval. I simply felt that the issue needed to be addressed.

It also made me realise that people observe how we handle situations, sometimes even when we are not thinking about who is watching. I appreciated the recognition, but I don't want that awareness to turn into constantly managing how people perceive me. I did find myself wondering afterwards whether the team might have thought I was being difficult or childish for raising the issue. But then I asked myself: does someone potentially disagreeing with my feedback automatically mean I was wrong to give it?

I am learning that professionalism does not mean being agreeable all the time or pretending that everything is okay. It also means knowing how to raise concerns, being clear about what has disappointed you and remaining respectful while doing so.

At the same time, I recognise that I must remain fair. A contract ending may affect what support someone is authorised to provide, and expectations need to be realistic. Speaking up does not mean assuming I am always right. It means being willing to have an honest conversation and being equally willing to reflect on the other person's perspective.

A much as i am still learning, my biggest lesson this week is that I can be respectful without being silent. I can express disappointment without making it personal, and I can appreciate recognition without making it the reason behind my actions. Sometimes, the most important part of speaking up is not how the other person responds. It is knowing that you handled something that mattered to you in a way you can stand by. 🌱