I had the opportunity to train a remarkable group of Learning and Development professionals from a prominent company last week. The training session, called CONNECT for Teams, focuses on creating deeper connections within teams, including hybrid and remote teams. During one of the breakout sessions, there were lively discussions and brainstorming activities. As I actively participated in one particular breakout, I noticed that one participant was holding back. It was evident that they had valuable insights to contribute. Later, in a one-on-one conversation, I probed further and discovered that they were suppressing some great ideas and contributions to the team. It was at that moment I highlighted that they were "violating their own constitution by censoring their freedom of speech." That is how I like to present self-censorship. This prompted a discussion on the topic of self-censorship, its reasons, and its implications. Let's talk about it.
As a leadership development professional, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a growth mindset, curiosity, and creativity in the professional world. These competencies not only drive personal growth but also foster innovation and success within organizations. However, there is a hidden obstacle that often inhibits these qualities: self-censorship. In this article, we will explore the impact of self-censorship on our growth mindset, curiosity, and creativity, and discover strategies to overcome it.
The Influence of Self-Censorship on Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, self-censorship can stifle our growth mindset. According to a study conducted by Roy Baumeister et al. (2018), when we hold back our ideas and opinions due to fear of judgment or criticism, we limit our intellectual growth. Harvard Business Review (2021) further reveals that self-censorship leads to a decline in risk-taking and a reluctance to embrace challenges. To foster a growth mindset, we must break free from the chains of self-censorship.
Self-Censorship's Effect on Curiosity:
Curiosity is the fuel that drives continuous learning and exploration. However, self-censorship can dampen our natural curiosity. Jennifer Mueller et al. (2019) conducted a study that highlighted the link between self-censorship and decreased curiosity. When we hold back our thoughts or ideas, fearing they may be dismissed or ridiculed, we miss out on valuable opportunities for growth. Forbes (2022) reports that professionals who fear judgment are less likely to ask questions and seek new knowledge. It is clear that overcoming self-censorship is crucial to nurturing our curiosity.
Impact of Self-Censorship on Creativity:
Creativity is the cornerstone of innovation and problem-solving in the workplace. However, self-censorship stifles our creative thinking. Teresa Amabile's research (2017) has shown that self-censorship has a negative relationship with creativity. When we silence our unique perspectives and ideas, we limit our ability to generate innovative solutions. Fast Company (2021) provides case studies of companies that encourage open expression and creativity, resulting in remarkable breakthroughs. To unlock our creative potential, we must embrace authenticity and overcome self-censorship.
Strategies to Overcome Self-Censorship:
To overcome self-censorship, we need to foster a culture of psychological safety and open communication in the workplace. Creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or retribution is crucial. Encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive feedback enables us to break free from self-imposed limitations.
Additionally, providing training and resources to develop a growth mindset, curiosity, and creativity can be instrumental in overcoming self-censorship. By equipping ourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to embrace our authentic selves, we empower ourselves and those around us to reach new heights of success.
Here are seven very tactical daily activities to overcome self-censorship in the workplace:
I urge you to recognize the impact of self-censorship on your growth mindset, curiosity, and creativity. DO NOT violate your own "constitution's right to freedom of speech". Embracing authenticity and breaking free from the fear of judgment or criticism is the first step towards unleashing your full potential. By fostering an environment that values open expression, encouraging diverse perspectives, and providing the necessary training and resources, we can create workplaces where individuals thrive and innovation flourishes. Let us break free from self-censorship and unlock our true capabilities, leading to personal and organizational growth like never before.
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