What is the third type of silence that kills?
Over the last two weeks we looked at the first two types of silence (Part 1 and Part 2) that can literally kill people, or at very least kill morale. You can see that the evidence is mounting against the adage, ‘silence is golden’. Knowing when to bite your tongue is definitely wise but it is also wise to speak up and use your voice well. It is important not to be a sheep or allow those around you to be sheepish. So, let’s take Key Steps together and take a stand against…
Deadly silence (Part 3)
- Follow the crowd. The term ‘bystander apathy’ was coined by a group of researchers who found that we tend to take our cue about whether to speak up or not from those around us. In alarming circumstances, most people keep quiet if those around them seem unperturbed. In other words, silence becomes contagious in our effort to maintain the status quo.
- Don’t be a sheep. Teach people about the dire consequences of the theory of ‘diffusion of responsibility’ that is offered to explain the bystander effect. The theory states that people ask themselves, “Why should I help or speak up when there’s someone else who can do it?” Responsibility for helping diffuses or spreads. Just like a layer of oil, which becomes thinner the larger the area it covers, so our sense of responsibility weakens in the midst of a large group. How often do you see this theory at play in your workplace or family? If it is not your responsibility to help or to speak up when necessary, whose is it? Make it safe for people to talk up and give feedback (remember last week that we spoke about the importance of non-judgement and not ridiculing anyone) and remind yourself and others that all it takes is one person to…
