Part of our guide on how to influence upwards

And then, as you walk into the office, your brain chimes in with thoughts like:
‘This idea is flawed’
‘You are so naïve’
‘Your career is riding on this’

So you hedge and soften. You offer caveats and qualifiers. That once brilliant idea comes out as a timid suggestion. The Director has switched off and is heading to their next meeting.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Why it happens

There’s a well-worn pattern at play. You’re probably confident with peers. You probably nail it when you’re the expert in the room.

But when hierarchy enters the room – real or imagined – you second-guess yourself, worry about taking up time, become fearful of getting it wrong.

It’s not surprising. The stakes are real, access is limited, the power dynamic feels overwhelming. And it can feel personal.

Try this thought experiment

Want to interrupt that unhelpful voice?

Picture yourself as the boss. Who do you want to work with?

Someone who nervously tip-toes around the point? Or someone who respects your time with a clear, confident proposal?

Exactly.

Your senior leaders want the same thing. They don’t have time for twenty disclaimers. They need you to be clear, be direct, and trust that your idea is worth their time.

So put on your big boss pants and influence up.