Is it safe to speak?

Life, is an emotional journey. We have moments of joy, fun laughter and times of deep sorrow, fear, anger, and frustrations.

Navigating these emotions can be challenging.

One tool that can I have come to realise for me personally is to have one on one conversations.
And even more importantly, I have come to the conclusion that these conversations not only help me because I am able to speak out what I feel, but because it was a safe space for me.

In the recent National Conference of Integrity and Governance byAssociation of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM) Johan Amilin Abdul Samad touched on psychological safety for people to be able to speak up and that was something that resonated a lot with the work I do in creating an appreciative work culture for enhanced productivity.

Coming back to emotions, I needed to acknowledge the fact that emotions are neither good or bad. But their are a reflection of our experiences and what we are going through in any moment of time. And yet I struggle with my own fears and demons that occasionally haunt me and I know then I will need to seek help. And for me it has always been about going to the people I trust to listen to me and know what they will be listening to me without bias and judgement. Plus they also know to ask, what do I need. A sounding board to let go what I am feeling, or do I need help and advice.

This has been something I struggled a lot in my early days because of the expectation that I had for myself and what I thought the society needed from me. It took me a really long time to figure out that I do me. Bavani is who Bavani defines she is.

Safe space is a sanctuary. A sacred space to be able to speak freely. While we do have our time for our faith and prayers, sometimes it calls for us to have trusting conversations as well.

Alas… creating a safe space is not as easy and available for many. And especially at workplace.
How often everyone is allowed to speak up, voice out and have empowering communications? And this is for both employer and employee. Both play a role to create this space.

An agreement to be able to speak about emotions when its needed.

Its about allowing anyone in the organisation to say, I feel safe to speak up. I am safe to say what I feel. I am ok to speak up and stand up for what is right.

I look forward to the day, when everyone says, I feel safe to speak.