“I just don’t want to step on anyone’s toes” is a phrase I hear too often. It’ll be related to an idea someone had, a suggestion on how to approach something differently, or a desire to jump in and create a thing — none of which happened, because that would be stepping on toes.

The expression “to step on [someone’s] toes” is meant to indicate interfering, offending, invading, or violating the space of others. But if the simple act of contributing risks stepping on someone’s toes, does that mean contributing, in general, is seen as an act of aggression?

I tend to hear this most when people are starting something new or unfamiliar: a new job, team, client, or project. And I get it! Being new is scary. Nothing’s familiar, you’re entering an established ecosystem of processes and personalities, and the last thing you want to do is stand out for the wrong reasons. But why are we all convinced that suggesting something we’re excited about is going to offend others?

Toes were made to be stepped on

I often think about how the phrase relates to dancing, and how awkward you feel when you step on your partner’s toes. But that’s how you learn to dance — and what happens to your toes when you’re teaching others. If the only way to avoid stepping on toes is to avoid dancing with others altogether, I really don’t want to live in that world.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve used this phrase before. Many times! And like others, I’ve only ever used it with the intention of being respectful and a real ‘team player’. “I did want to do that… I had this great idea… I kept it light because… I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.” But the tendency that’s meant to maintain team relationships can end up harming them instead.

It can be helpful to identify the concern that drives us to use these words. Often, it’s because we’re scared our ideas could be seen as stupid or bad. But, sometimes, it’s because we’re worried our contributions could intimidate or make others look bad.

In my opinion, bad ideas are usually the best ones, and stupid questions are the most important because, more often than not, no one else is willing to ask them.

Put your foot in it

If you’re worried about looking like an idiot, welcome to marketing! To make it in a creative space you have to get comfortable with making many, many (many) mistakes. Mistakes are what make you a stronger marketer and creative, and the only way to figure out what works and how things could be better.

Ultimately, you’re just going to have to deal with your insecurities and push past them. You were hired or brought on to a project because it’s clear you can contribute real value. So let it out! In my opinion, bad ideas are usually the best ones, and stupid questions are the most important because, more often than not, no one else is willing to ask them.

You can assume your team wants nothing more than for you to bring all your brilliance to the table and help shape the work being done.

If your concern is that your contributions could intimidate or piss someone else off, well, then you might be working with a few assholes. But I find that’s rarely the case. Instead, you can assume the people you work with want nothing more than for you to bring all your brilliance to the table and help shape the work being done. Your fears of offending anyone are just that — your own fears and nothing more.

Maybe that’s just the culture at Codeword, but we’re not stuffing teams with voices we don’t want to hear.

Spoiler alert: we’re all desperate for our toes to be stepped on

Opinions, brainstorms, quick mockups, and random ideas to create a fantasy storybook about returning to the office are exactly why you’re on the team.

We’re all human and we don’t have all the answers, but your contributions and ideas will get your team that much closer to finding them! And if your ideas overlap with someone else’s area, know they’ll appreciate you caring enough to contribute, have their back, and support the work they do.

Maybe that’s just the culture at Codeword, but we’re not stuffing teams with voices we don’t want to hear from. We’re constantly looking for smart, creative, and real people who want to share, try, and yes — step on some damn toes!