Choose to Matter by Julie Foudy

Author:Julie Foudy [Foudy, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2017-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

—Eleanor Roosevelt

The question so often asked in a group or in class is: Where are my good communicators?

(The answer is “NOT HERE” if the entire group is wearing earmuffs and it is eighty degrees outside. Ha.)

And the comment we often hear when a group trends toward the quieter side is: we need more vocal leaders.

Becoming a vocal leader is the biggest leadership challenge for people at any age. Leading by example may come naturally to many people, but when asked to be a more vocal leader, people often think, “Nooooo, that is not me.” And then the next thought probably is, “OMG, what will my teammates/classmates/colleagues think if I start giving directions and talking on the field or in the classroom? What if I sound silly? What if I say the wrong thing? What if they do not like when I speak up?” Stop with the what ifs and start channeling the why nots.

Being a vocal leader is indeed a challenge, but when done right, your friends will actually love it. Because I would bet most teams, if not all, are desperate for leaders who speak up. And equally important, those who have the ability to confidently convey positive leadership when dealing with a negative issue make the group stronger. How many times in life have you said to a friend, “Wow, that was a great idea, why didn’t you say something earlier?” Do not be the person who is full of great ideas, yet fails to say them out loud. Yes, let those ideas run free.

There are four keys to keep in mind when learning to be a more vocal leader (and the bonus is they apply to all scenarios, all teams, all of life, for eternity):

•LET IT OUT:

First, you have to summon the courage to let that voice OUT. We all know it is there inside you (your parents will back me up on that one I am certain); now just let ’er rip. Once you fight through that initial awkwardness, you will find you are quite comfortable (and good) at talking in a group setting. Taking that first step is the hardest part. Strong vocal cords are not even required. Go ahead, try it. Get out of that comfort zone. You may find your vocal cords were always waiting and willing.

•BE CONSCIOUS OF WHAT YOU ARE SAYING:

Now with your newfound ability to chirp, be conscious of WHAT you are saying. Be concise. Be positive. Be strong when you need to be. (For example, “Julie, great hustle, but I need you back on defense more”—believe me, I heard that one lots.) Also be informative. In soccer we say things like, step to the ball, slide to the right, drop, force her left, mark goal side!

Think about how the inflection in your voice makes all the difference. For example, you wouldn’t say, “Hey Brandi, it would be sooooo great if you could maybe think about defending and um, I don’t know, perhaps put some pressure on the ball, if you feel like it.

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