Shane here: Something's been bothering me

Happy Friday

I shared an article last week that challenged international schools and stirred up quite the conversation online. But what fascinated me most wasn't the article itself, rather one particular comment: "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

That phrase has been rattling around my head ever since.

When exactly is it appropriate to bite the hand that feeds you? When do we speak up about industry practices or organisational decisions that don't sit right with us? And why does it feel so bloody difficult sometimes?

I've wrestled with this throughout my career, speaking up when I've seen things that needed challenging. The results have been mixed, if I'm honest. But I've learned that the question doesn't centre on whether we should challenge; rather, when and how to do it thoughtfully.

Here's what I've discovered about finding the right moments to use our voice:

Start with curiosity, not certainty. Before speaking up, I try to remember that I never understand the complete picture. What context might I be missing? What pressures or constraints might be influencing this decision that I can't see? This doesn't mean talking yourself out of challenging. Rather, it means approaching from a place of genuine inquiry instead of accusation.

Ask yourself: What's really at stake here? Is this about ego, personal inconvenience, or something deeper? The moments worth speaking up for usually involve values, ethics, or the wellbeing of others. If you're primarily worried about how something affects you personally, pause and dig deeper.

Trust your gut, but test your assumptions. If something feels wrong repeatedly, that's usually worth exploring. But before you speak, can you articulate why it matters beyond your immediate reaction? Can you separate the issue from personalities involved? If you find yourself getting emotional, that's often a signal to slow down and reflect first.

The truth is, staying quiet when we should speak up corrodes something inside us. But speaking up without thought can damage relationships and undermine the very change we're hoping to create.

One of my core values is approaching every situation knowing I don't have the full picture. It's kept me curious rather than combative, and it's helped me find my voice in ways that invite conversation rather than shut it down.

I'd love to hear from you. How do you find your own voice when facing difficult conversations or challenging industry practices? What helps you know when it's time to speak up?

Hit reply and share your thoughts. I read every single response.

Shane

Here’s a few of my latest podcast episodes to take you in to the weekend: