Telling My Boss What I REALLY Think – IDC #6

I’ve found it very interesting how my thoughts and feelings have changed over the course of the past few weeks while I wrap up my final days at my job.

I found myself caring less about what others think and actually saying what I’m really thinking. For example, if my boss or a colleague asks what I think about something, I actually say what I think.

I know it sounds ridiculous that I wouldn’t do that already, but so many times I find my response to be influenced by what I think the other person wants me to say. I somehow make the connection with being different and unique to not being liked. I want people to like me. We all do to some degree.

But you know what? I’ve found that when I actually say what I’m really thinking and take a stand for my thoughts, beliefs, and convictions, that people actually like me more.

It makes sense. We attract more people when we give them more to identify with. There’s really nothing to like if we don’t stand for anything. We will simply be this bland no-flavor version of a person. Next time you’re in the dairy section at the grocery store, look at how there are so many more flavored yogurts than plain.

Of course there is a flip side to this as well. When we give people more to identify with, it also gives people more to NOT identify with as well. But that’s OK because we cannot please everyone. We just need to remind ourselves of all our new supporters.

So no, telling my boss what I REALLY think is not a passion filled account of raised voices and slamming doors. It is, however, me confidently taking a stand and voicing my thoughts, beliefs, and convictions.  I’ve done this on many occasions and am now integrating it into the rest of my life.

It’s a much better way to go about things, wouldn’t you say?

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Read more about the IDC Project
View our completed “uncomfortable situations”
If you have suggestions for “uncomfortable situations,” leave them in the comments.