27/05/2026
Our founder Carrie Swift was asked by Stylist Magazine to share advice how to use your voice at work to help create a 'speak-up culture' - particularly in meetings, where people often hold back on saying what they really think.
Here are a couple of tips she shared.... 💡
1️⃣ BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front
If you want to get known as someone who adds value to the discussion in meetings, remember the rule of BLUF - start with your main point, then explain your reasoning.
Too often we warm up with context and lose the room before we land the message. Senior leaders do the opposite. They lead with clarity, which is why their points land quickly and decisively.
2️⃣ Managers: Speak last
If you’re the most senior person in the room, you’re shaping the discussion more than you realise. Even a small comment can unintentionally steer direction.
Try this instead:
🎯 Pose the question
🎯 Give everyone 60 seconds thinking time
🎯 State: “I’m interested in hearing everyone's views, so I'm going to speak last so I don’t set the direction.”
🎯 Go round the table and listen
You’ll get more diversity of thought, stronger ideas and as a result, more balanced decisions. ✅
Read the full article here: https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/careers/how-to-create-speak-up-culture-work-psychological-safety/1059285
