
People may perceive this ‘species’ as rebellious, defiant, stubborn, contrary or fractious. On a personal note, holding that dissenting voice can often leave me feeling alone, different and harshly judged.
I would prefer to see myself and others from this genre, as actually being authentic, original and courageous; with the willingness to stand up for what we believe. We risk ‘not fitting in’, often for the sake of challenging the status quo, even in the face of being viewed in this negative light. Not fitting in feels like not belonging. According to Brene Brown-“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are”.
For me, that means that when I feel deeply about certain things that are important to me, that I am not afraid to share those feeling or thoughts. It means that I am willing to rock the boat, rather than remain quiet, for the sake of keeping the peace. It is not a peaceful state of affairs if I bite my tongue and swallow my words. I do believe though, that not everyone is ready to hear my contrary view. Perhaps they feel like I am making them ‘wrong’, whilst trying to make myself ‘right’. Challenging their power, authority and status. That is not my intention.
What positive change can occur if everyone remains agreeable to statements, decisions or practices that are made by those in authority, even when they are so obviously not ones that are beneficial for those that are expected to conform?
Have you noticed that some people are very open to hear your voice, however, those are often individuals with a strong sense of self -esteem, who are not afraid of ‘not being liked.’ They understand that just because someone has a dissenting voice, it does not lower their significance, likeability or worth.
It is often the same few people who speak out in meetings, or at family or social gatherings? I believe that it is important to hear all the voices in the room, not just the loud ones, the rebels, the articulate or knowledgeable ones, nor just the voice of the power- hungry individuals who appear to hang onto that command with a vice- like grip. Funnily enough, it is often the quieter folk, the observers of life, of business, or relationship dynamics, of society, who have incredibly powerful insights to bring to the party.
As non-conformists, we do not have to rock every boat, each time we have a different view though. Here is where discernment comes into play.
As a non-conformist, one may need to consider the following five points
before expressing our voice of dissent-
For me, that means that when I feel deeply about certain things that are important to me, that I am not afraid to share those feeling or thoughts. It means that I am willing to rock the boat, rather than remain quiet, for the sake of keeping the peace. It is not a peaceful state of affairs if I bite my tongue and swallow my words. I do believe though, that not everyone is ready to hear my contrary view. Perhaps they feel like I am making them ‘wrong’, whilst trying to make myself ‘right’. Challenging their power, authority and status. That is not my intention.
What positive change can occur if everyone remains agreeable to statements, decisions or practices that are made by those in authority, even when they are so obviously not ones that are beneficial for those that are expected to conform?
Have you noticed that some people are very open to hear your voice, however, those are often individuals with a strong sense of self -esteem, who are not afraid of ‘not being liked.’ They understand that just because someone has a dissenting voice, it does not lower their significance, likeability or worth.
It is often the same few people who speak out in meetings, or at family or social gatherings? I believe that it is important to hear all the voices in the room, not just the loud ones, the rebels, the articulate or knowledgeable ones, nor just the voice of the power- hungry individuals who appear to hang onto that command with a vice- like grip. Funnily enough, it is often the quieter folk, the observers of life, of business, or relationship dynamics, of society, who have incredibly powerful insights to bring to the party.
As non-conformists, we do not have to rock every boat, each time we have a different view though. Here is where discernment comes into play.
As a non-conformist, one may need to consider the following five points
before expressing our voice of dissent-
- Our manner- The WAY in which we challenge needs to be thoughtful and respectful
- Ask clarifying questions- To ascertain how their statement or decision was reached, before we disagree, challenge or offer an alternative perspective!
- Consider our timing- And the mood of the person, who may be in authority, prior to opening our mouths!
- Preserve our energy wisely- As perhaps it is a day where the demands outweigh our resources and it’s just not worth the energy it will take!
- Weigh up the risks- Choose to stay quiet, when history dictates, that the risk of being publicly humiliated or ripped apart by the authority figure, is far too high, and we just do not have the personal resilience to handle the venomous outpouring, if we did question this person?!!