Share Your Concerns: Speak Up Without Blowing Things Up
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Because staying silent doesn’t solve the problem—it just delays the meeting about it.
You know that moment. The one where your Spidey senses tingle. Something’s off. The numbers don’t line up, the timeline feels wobbly, or someone’s “great idea” is slowly morphing into a future train wreck. Your gut says, “I should share my concerns,” but my inner voice whispers, “Hmm… maybe stay quiet. This could get awkward.”
But here’s the thing: staying silent doesn’t keep the peace. It just delays the inevitable “I wish someone had said something sooner” meeting. And guess what? You are someone.
That’s where the “share concerns” habit comes in. It’s all about choosing courage over comfort and creating a culture where you can say what’s real—without getting labeled the team killjoy.
How Do I Share My Concerns Without Sounding Like an Idea Crusher?
Let’s start with your go-to, disarmingly honest phrase:
I’m concerned about ___ because…
That’s it. No need for dramatic music or interpretive dance. Just a calm, precise, truth-telling moment.
What It Means to Share Your Concerns
Sharing concerns doesn’t mean launching into a five-minute TED Talk about everything that’s ever gone wrong. It means you speak up—especially when it matters most.
You say the thing. Raise the flag. Shine the flashlight into the dusty corners before they catch fire.
You’re not waiting for permission or a perfect opening. And you’re definitely not throwing verbal grenades. You speak up with care, clarity, and the intent to help.
Related: Speak-Up Culture: How to Encourage More (and Better) Ideas
Why Sharing Your Concerns Matters
Think of this habit as the seatbelt of team communication: not always flashy, but a total lifesaver when things get bumpy.
When you use it:
Small problems stay small.
Others feel safe to chime in too.
“Conflict” becomes “collaboration in progress.”
Feedback doesn’t sting—it strengthens.
This isn’t about being that person. It’s about being the teammate who gives a damn.
Why It’s Hard (and Why You Should Do It Anyway)
Sharing your concerns means being vulnerable. You might worry about hurting someone’s feelings, being labeled a downer, or slowing momentum. And if your concern involves someone’s pet project or behavior? Woof. Even tougher.
But here’s the paradox: silence doesn’t protect relationships. It quietly erodes them. Speaking up with respect, on the other hand? That’s how you build trust, clarity, and forward motion.
How to Share Without Sounding Like a Complainer
Ready to try? Here’s your Share Concerns starter pack:
Lead with your phrase. “I’m concerned about ___ because…” gets straight to the point and keeps it grounded in impact.
Stick to observations. Say, “I noticed we skipped the stakeholder review,” not “You’re clearly sabotaging the process.”
Frame it as a contribution. Try: “I’m sharing this because I want us to succeed.”
Invite conversation. Ask: “Does this concern make sense? Am I missing something?”
Stay engaged. If your concern leads to change, great. If not, keep showing up—curious, committed, and constructive.
Related: Is Your Culture Hindering Progress?
Other Phrases That Keep the Conversation Safe and Honest
If “I’m concerned…” feels too formal, try one of these:
“Something’s not sitting right with me—I’d like to talk it through.”
“Can I raise a flag here?”
“I might be off, but I’m noticing…”
“This could just be me, but I’m seeing a risk in…”
“What’s our plan if ___ goes wrong?”
Sometimes, the phrase is less important than the tone behind it. Curiosity beats certainty every time.
Three Mini-Personal Experiments to Build the Habit
Try one of these personal challenges to strengthen your Share Concerns muscle:
1. 30-Day Clarity Practice
Every time a concern bubbles up (tight chest, rumination loop, vague dread), jot it down. Practice saying it with the phrase: “I’m concerned about ___ because…”
2. Pre-Conversation Rehearsal
For two weeks, write your concern out first:
Here’s what I noticed.
Here’s why I’m concerned.
Here’s what I’d like to explore.
Then say it out loud. Bonus: notice how much calmer you sound when you’ve already untangled your thoughts.
3. Concerns = Care Reframe
For 30 days, flip the script. When someone shares a concern with you, treat it like an act of care. Say: “Thanks for raising that.” Watch how the trust grows.
Final Word
Sharing concerns isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being devoted. To the mission. To the people. And, to getting it right.
When you speak up with clarity and care, you’re not just avoiding disasters. You’re modeling the kind of courage that makes work better for everyone.
And it all starts with:
I’m concerned about ___ because…
This article was first published on letsgrowleaders.com
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Leadership
Tags: Communication, Alignment & Clarity, Business Meetings, Crucible Moments
Karin Hurt helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. She’s the founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, an international leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and leadership development programs that stick, and the author of four books including Courageous Cultures: How to Build Teams of Micro-Innovators, Problem Solvers and Customer Advocates.
David Dye helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. He’s the President of Let’s Grow Leaders, an international leadership development and training firm known for practical tools and leadership development programs that stick. He’s the author of several books including Courageous Cultures and is the host of the popular podcast Leadership without Losing Your Soul.
