Have You Earned The Right To…

Naked Leader Week 1179 – Monday 15 June 2026

Time To Read: 2 minutes

…Speak – and Be Listened To

When I was younger and living in Bristol, I joined The Kelvin Players (TKP), one of the finest amateur drama groups in the country.

On my very first day as a member, I was invited to the Chairwoman’s house for tea with several members of the committee. It was there that I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my life.

My excuse? Youth, naivety and enthusiasm—a dangerous combination.

After a warm welcome, I was asked why I had joined. I immediately launched into what I thought TKP did well, what it didn’t do so well, and all the changes and improvements I believed I could bring. I spoke for around fifteen minutes.

When I finally finished, the committee members stood up as one, thanked me for coming, and politely showed me the door.

If only I had known then what I know now.

The lesson was simple.

Had I, a one-day-old member, earned the right to speak as I did?

The answer was no.

Soon afterwards I heard that the Chairwoman and committee had found me arrogant, disrespectful and a classic know-it-all.

Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “But David, you were asked for your opinion.”

That’s true.

But being invited to speak and having earned the right to be listened to are not the same thing.

Status matters. Credibility matters. Trust matters.

It may not be fair. It may not be right. But it is often true.

And from that day forward, before offering an opinion, a suggestion or a challenge, I have asked myself one simple question:

“Have I earned the right to say this, here and now, so that people will genuinely listen?”

It’s a question that has served me well with friends, family, colleagues, clients and organisations.

Perhaps it might serve you too.

With my love and best wishes,

David

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