“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
-William James

Today at work I received an email titled “Implementation of ‘Fun Spaces'” from the Director of Operations of my division targeted to all “Young Employees” in my division. It was a link to a four question (anonymous) survey which went like this:

1. What is your primary work location? (pick one)
2. With many people working long hours, [we] are considering implementing rejuvenation or “Fun” spaces at our campuses. Do you like this idea? (yes, no, not sure, etc.)
3. What kind of “Fun” activities would you like to see on campus? (video games, table tennis, foosball, billiards, other)
4. Approximately how often would you expect to use the “Fun” spaces? (choose a frequency)

I filled out the survey, then sat at my computer and laughed. They couldn’t be serious, right? There wasn’t even a space for comments or suggestions on the survey. Also, they’re calling it ‘fun spaces’ as if somehow that entices us Millennials?

Needless to say, I’m not one to stay quiet. And since this high level employee made the mistake of including their name on the original email, I took the time to write a (quite long) email back to him expressing my thoughts.

I can say honestly that adding a pool table to the foosball table we already have at my site isn’t going to change my mind about leaving the company or suddenly make me tell my young friends that this is a cool, hip, fun place to work. The whole culture needs to change.

I assumed I wouldn’t get a reply, but I got one an hour later that was actually pretty surprising. He agreed with me and understands that bigger culture changes need to be made. He appreciated my honesty and sincerity. Also, he wants to meet up to chat in person about it and any other ideas I might have when he’s in town in two weeks. I’d say it was worthwhile sending my (possibly offensive and definitely candid) email response to him.

But I will bet right now that I’m the only person about of 1000+ people receiving that email that responded to him. Know why? Because I have no fear when it comes to speaking up, and you shouldn’t either.

Recently at work I also got fed up with some of the management making just another decision without consulting us little minions, aka the ones who are stuck doing all of the rework. They presented to us yet another half-baked plan that hadn’t really been thought out. After 30 minutes of us grilling them on the details (most of which had no answers) I finally just said, “Look, I’m not doing this until you come up with an actual plan, and neither should anyone else.” [note: this is paraphrased]

They agreed that we shouldn’t do anything yet (the opposite of their original direction) and that they would think about it some more and get back to us with a better solution. Which they did, saving us little minions hours of unnecessary rework and stress.

Afterwards, a co-worker told me that I was her hero. But the thing is, I’m not a hero, I just don’t have a fear of saying what’s on my mind even when it’s to people above me.

Now, acting this way may get you voted “Most Argumentative” as it did for my classic one-on-one showdown with a 10th grade English teacher (among other things), but the point is things get done when you’re honest, open, straight-forward, and unafraid.

There’s nothing that makes me special or more capable of speaking up. There’s nothing that’s preventing anyone from doing it except themselves. Even when you think you might get in trouble (for example, telling a manager something they don’t want to hear), it usually ends out working in your favor.

Don’t be afraid to ask, to question, to give the wrong answer, or to demand respect. Don’t be afraid to tell someone why they are wrong. Don’t sit around hoping someone like me says the thing that’s on your mind, and being disappointed when they don’t.

Once you start speaking up and voicing your opinion, you’ll realize there was nothing to be afraid of to begin with.