Shawn Kent Hayashi Addresses Speaking Truth to Power on The Daily Muse

At lunch you vent to your co-worker that your boss’ recent decision will cause problems down the road for the project you’re working on. But later that afternoon, when your manager brings up that same topic, you don’t say a word.

Your lunch companion glares at you, radiating her view that you should speak up—and you want to, you really do. However, your mouth has gone dry, and you can’t figure out how to make your voice work. You’re afraid to tell the boss that his decision is flawed.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Of all the fears I’ve helped people overcome as an executive coach, this one—being scared to correct your boss—is by far the most common. Yet speaking truth to power is crucial for your personal and professional development. And the good news? It’s a learnable skill! One that’s easier to master once you’re aware of how your emotions impact your behavior.

Click here to see the full article in The Daily Muse.