How to Stop Silencing Ourselves and Others with Author, Elaine Lin Hering

In this conversation, Elaine Lin Hering discusses the power of silence and the importance of unlearning it. She shares her personal journey from being a lawyer to becoming a leadership development consultant and author. Elaine emphasizes the need to create safe spaces for individuals to speak up and challenges the notion that speaking up is solely an individual's responsibility. She also explores the unintentional ways in which people silence others and suggests ways to design communication for inclusion. In this conversation, Elaine Lin Hering discusses the importance of considering different voices and perspectives, unlearning communication patterns, and being authentic and honest with yourself. She also explores the process of finding your voice, embracing different ways of operating, and overcoming shame and doubt. Additionally, she shares insights on rediscovering your voice, experimenting and intentional exploration, and the importance of supporting underrepresented voices.

Takeaways

• Silence is often an unconscious coping mechanism in response to a lack of psychological safety and the fear of negative consequences.
• The burden of calculating silence should not solely rest on individuals, but rather on creating environments that encourage and support diverse voices.
• Recognizing and addressing the biases and stereotypes that lead to silencing others is crucial for fostering inclusive communication.
• Designing communication to accommodate different preferences and needs, such as using various mediums and considering time zones, can help create a more inclusive and safe space for everyone to speak up. Consider different voices and perspectives when communicating and making decisions.
• Unlearn communication patterns that may exclude or silence certain individuals.
• Be authentic and honest with yourself about your preferred methods of communication and participation.
• Finding your voice is a journey that may require rediscovery and intentional exploration.
• Embrace different ways of operating and recognize the value of diverse communication styles.
• Overcome shame and doubt associated with not knowing or doubting your own voice.
• Experiment and intentionally explore to discover and develop your voice.
• Support underrepresented voices and challenge existing systems that prioritize certain voices over others.

Elaine's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainelinhering/

Elaine's site: Website: 

Pre-Order Book here: Unlearning Silence

https://www.sonjaholmes.com