Speak Truth To Power Without The Panic

You're in the meeting. Your boss has already made the call, but you have a better idea, or you've spotted an issue. You know your boss's decision is flawed, but you think, "It's not my place to say anything. Should I speak up? Should I stay silent? After all, nobody else is saying anything. I'll do the same." This is what most managers do. They stay quiet. They comply. They keep the peace. But silence as a manager, as a leader, isn't safety. It's a setup for future failure. Here's a leadership move to consider. When you notice these things happening, confidently communicate with respect and good intent and say something such as, "May I share something that could strengthen the quality of the decision? Would now be a good time?" Or, "I have some relevant information which hasn't yet been considered. Without it, there could be a risk to this decision or project not being as well thought out or as valid as it deserves to be. May I share it with you now? There you go. You're not challenging, you're contributing. You're not undermining, you're actually elevating the quality of communication, which also develops trust. When done well, this is a real trust builder. The kind where your boss thinks, I'd appreciate your take on this. Would you have a look at this in case there's something you spot that I haven't yet Spotted? Speaking truth to power isn't scary, it's smart, and it is the fast lane to real influence when done properly. Please consider speaking up, helping the medicine taste good with language such as, "May I share with you now? I have one point that may be worth considering. Shall we discuss it now?" Think of how to use language and how to be proactive in developing proactive influence.