The Power of Speaking Up in the Workplace

 A few months ago, I found myself at a crossroads during a two-day leads workshop at my company. It was late April, and I was seriously contemplating whether to quit. Feeling under-utilized and lost regarding the team's direction, I began exploring other options. I struggled to voice my concerns, but the workshop turned out to be a much-needed break, allowing me to reflect on my purpose and consider how sticking around could shape my future.

In the final session, one of our technical directors posed a question to me about the challenges I faced in my work. Suddenly, I went blank. I was torn between expressing my frustrations with the team leader or my struggles with customers. Over the preceding months, my primary role involved sending emails to potential clients, setting up meetings, and trying to secure projects. Unfortunately, I was met with constant disappointment and little success, leaving me frustrated and unsure of where the problem lay. I grew tired of sending emails that went unanswered and felt lost in my inability to strategize effectively. With no one to turn to for support, I hesitated to voice my concerns, not just in the meeting but throughout the workplace.

This failure to communicate affected me profoundly. I experienced low morale, became disengaged from the team, and even considered throwing in the towel. However, months later, a new team emerged, fostering open communication and collaboration. I decided to stick with the job, feeling hopeful about the change.

The experience taught me that not speaking up in the workplace can have significant repercussions. It can lead to:

• Low Morale: Constant frustration can sap your motivation and enthusiasm.
• Disengagement: Without open communication, you may feel isolated and disconnected from your team.
• Missed Opportunities: Failing to share concerns can result in unresolved issues and hinder your professional growth.

So, speak up! That’s the lesson I learned. Your voice matters, and open dialogue can lead to positive change.

A Teacher's Lasting Impact!

This Teacher's Day, as I reflect on the profound impact teachers have had on my life, one particular incident from fourth grade remains etched in my memory.

Back then, I had told a friend that I didn't quite like my Math teacher. Unfortunately, that friend reported it, and soon I found myself standing outside the classroom for almost a week (at least three days in succession) as punishment. When I was sent to the Principal's office, she, being a family friend, gently brushed it off with a chocolate and sent me back to class. When my mom found out, she called the teacher to apologize. That single incident made me dread math classes. My enthusiasm for the subject plummeted, and soon, my grades followed.

By the time I reached 10th grade, my confidence in Math was at an all-time low. The half-yearly exams were a stark wake-up call when I scored a dismal 38 out of 80. Despite performing well in all my other subjects, I just couldn't bring myself to like Math. My worried mother turned to the Vice-Principal—a brilliant Math teacher herself and a friend. She decided to take me under her wing.

She didn't just teach me Math; she reignited a spark within me. She handed me a question bank and told me to work on it, encouraging me to come back to her for corrections. Her faith in me was unwavering and within a month, my marks shot up to 75 out of 80 in the revision exam! That newfound confidence propelled me through my public exams and beyond.

It became evident to me that my struggle with Math was never about ability. It was about overcoming the hurt from that one negative experience. As an aspiring doctor, I initially thought I could avoid Math altogether. However, I chose to stick with it. To my astonishment, I effortlessly scored a 94 in my first Math exam in 11th grade! I continued with the subject all through 12th, consistently performing well—thanks to the unwavering encouragement of one incredible teacher.

Teachers have the extraordinary power to either break or make a child. Today, I am deeply grateful for those who chose to build me up, even when I felt like giving up. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Helen Sudarshanam, my Math teacher at Ida Scudder School, Vellore. Your support truly made all the difference.