5 Ways to Amplify Your Voice at Work

Cathie Leimbach • May 9, 2023

When is the last time you spoke up at work? Do you share your ideas for improving communication in your department, respond to your manager’s email asking what training you would be interested in this year, or drop a possible solution to a frustrating workplace situation in the staff suggestion box? 

Workplace dissatisfaction is common. Employee morale is falling. Employee turnover is high. Many people share workplace frustrations and potential solutions with their family and friends. Yet, they don’t use their voice at work. Instead, they put up with workplace drudgery or change jobs again in search of a rewarding experience. 

Often, leaders who ask employees for their input and offer opportunities for team problem solving get few responses. If you wish to be heard and valued at work, amplify your voice.  

Here are 5 ways you could speak up to improve the workplace experience for your colleagues, yourself, and the organization.

  1. Speak up during meetings: Whenever there is a meeting, make sure to contribute your ideas and opinions.
  2. Use communication tools: Utilize email, instant messaging, or project management software to share your ideas and feedback with your team. This can help you reach out to others even when you're not in the same physical location.
  3. Seek out one-on-one conversations: If you feel uncomfortable sharing your ideas or feedback in a group setting, try to have one-on-one conversations with your supervisor or other colleagues you feel comfortable with. This can help you build a rapport with your colleagues and foster more productive discussions.
  4. Provide written feedback: Sometimes, it can be difficult to express your thoughts and ideas verbally. Provide written feedback, such as in an email or memo, to share your perspective with your team.
  5. Participate in employee surveys: If your organization conducts employee surveys, take the time to fill out these surveys and provide detailed responses to help shape the company's direction and improve the workplace.

 

You have valuable ideas for improving the workplace experience and/or productivity in your organization.  Which of the above ways will you use to put these ideas forward for consideration? What will you do this week to amplify your voice?


Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.

Connectional Intelligence: The Power Skill Behind Big Results

By Cathie Leimbach • December 9, 2025
In Erica Dhawan’s book, Get Big Things Done, she defines Connectional Intelligence as the ability to combine knowledge, networks, and relationships to drive meaningful results. In today’s busy workplace, it’s not just what you know—it’s how well you connect that turns good ideas into big outcomes. Strong Connectional Intelligence within a team strengthens workplace morale and productivity by impacting four key attributes of high-performance cultures: Value Visibly – People perform better when they know their contributions matter. Leaders who highlight strengths, acknowledge effort, and celebrate progress create a culture where great work becomes contagious. Communicate Carefully – In an age of nonstop messages, clarity is a competitive advantage. Thoughtful communication reduces confusion, prevents conflict, and ensures that everyone moves forward with shared understanding. Collaborate Confidently – Connectional Intelligence flourishes when people feel empowered to contribute. Confident collaboration means inviting diverse perspectives, leveraging individual superpowers, and creating space for smart problem-solving. Trust Totally – Trust is the anchor of all high-performing teams. When leaders show reliability, transparency, and empathy, people take risks, share ideas, and stay aligned toward common goals. Connectional Intelligence helps teams innovate faster, break down silos, and accomplish what truly matters. Want to learn more? Visit Erica Dhawan’s website to explore her full body of work and deepen your understanding of Connectional Intelligence.