Our Story Services Learning Corner Contact

Is Staying Silent Keeping You From Advancing at Work?

breaking silence career growth for native women native women leadership native women rise professional development speaking up at work workplace visibility Dec 17, 2024
Text-based graphic with the words 'Silence has a cost. YOUR VOICE IS POWER.' The word 'silence' is in italicized green, while 'YOUR VOICE IS POWER' is bold and pink, emphasizing the message about speaking up. A small pink logo is centered at the bottom.

Is Staying Silent Keeping You From Advancing at Work?

I can't count the number of times I sat quietly in meetings while others took credit for my work. Like many Native women, I was raised to value humility and to let my actions speak louder than my words. But in today's workplace, silence often comes at a cost.

The Hidden Cost of Silence

Not long ago, I worked with a client who shared a powerful moment. A Native woman on her team expressed her desire to lead a major project. Her manager's response? "I had no idea you were interested in leadership. I wish I knew this sooner."

This story echoes across conference rooms and offices across the state and nationwide. We hope our work will speak for itself. We tell ourselves we're being respectful when we stay quiet in meetings. But while we're waiting to be noticed, opportunities slip away.

The cost is clear: We become invisible when we stay silent.

Breaking the Silence

Take Michelle, for example. For years, she excelled in her role but avoided speaking up in meetings. Then came the breakthrough. "I realized that staying quiet wasn't helping my team or myself," she said.

Determined to make a change, she took small but impactful steps. The following week, she shared one idea in a meeting. Then another. Within months, Michelle was leading projects. By the end of the year, she earned a well-deserved promotion.

Her story reminds us: One voice. One idea. One moment can change everything.

Take Action This Week

If you've been holding back, start with one small step. This week, choose one meeting to share your perspective. Before that meeting, write down:

  • One idea you want to contribute
  • One thoughtful question that could shift the conversation
  • One colleague whose work you can publicly acknowledge

Speaking up might feel uncomfortable at first. But that single moment of courage can transform your career.

Your Voice is Power

Don't wait for someone to notice your quiet excellence. This week, choose one meeting. Share one idea. Take that first step.

Ready to break the silence? Join the Native Women RISE waitlist today, and let's take that step together.

Stay connected with news and updates!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.

Categories

All Categories #shopnative 2023 holiday air force alaska alaska adventures alaska history alaska native alaska native business alaska native corporations alaska native culture alaska native employees alaska native veterans alaska native voices alaska native women authentic engagement bloom communications breaking silence business empowerment strategies business involvement career advancement career development career growth for native women career growth strategies career success tips communication strategies community engagement community relations community support corporate diversity initiatives corporate responsibility cultural awareness cultural balance cultural competency training cultural heritage cultural identity in the workplace cultural inclusion cultural respect cultural sensitivity in the workplace cultural strengths in the workplace cultural training culture camps dei initiatives discrimination diversity advocacy diversity and inclusion education and tradition embracing your unique story employee engagement employer tips employment instability empowering native women empowerment equity and inclusion equity in the workplace grace gratitude hiring goals holiday stress holiday wellness inclusive workplaces inclusivie workplace practices inclusivity indigenous career development indigenous cultures indigenous peoples' day indigenous rights indigenous women leadership land acknowledgments leadership leadership development leadership growth mental health mentorship for native women native american heritage month native american leadership native employees native perspectives native professional network native women native women career growth native women career tips native women empowerment native women in business native women in leadership native women leadership native women rise navigating change networking organizational development overcoming fear in the workplace overcoming self-doubt overcoming setbacks personal growth strategies post-election reflections professional development professional development for native women progress not perfection resilience resilience and courage respectful engagement rural alaska rural schools santa self-care self-reflection setting boundaries speaking up at work sponsorship supporting alaska native cultures veterans day wage gap winter women in leadership women in stem workplace challenges workplace challenges for native women workplace culture workplace diversity workplace diversity & inclusion workplace equity workplace grief policies workplace tips workplace visibility

Join Our Email List

Sign up below.