Management Tip of the Day: Confront the Top 3 Excuses for Not Speaking Up

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Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MARCH 30, 2010 Confront the Top 3 Excuses for Not Speaking Up Whether you are a senior staff member or brand new to a job, it can be difficult to speak up when you see something wrong. However, not doing so can have deleterious consequences for your company, and your career. Here are the top three rationalizations for keeping silent and how to confront them: It's not my job. You don't have to be a seasoned staff member, an expert, or have formal authority to raise a flag. Doing the best thing for the company is always your job. It's not a big deal. If you're telling yourself that, it probably is a big deal. Instead of downplaying the severity of the issue, focus on trying to find a resolution. It's standard practice. Even if your company has always done it a certain way, if it's creating a problem now or in the future, challenge the status quo. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Keeping Your Colleagues Honest" by Mary C. Gentile. Read the Harvard Business Review article online » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT How to Make Your Case in 30 Seconds or Less Harvard Management Communication Letter If you ran into Warren Buffet on the street, would you know what to say? Having an "elevator speech" ready to go will enable you to make the most of once-in-a-lifetime communication opportunities. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: BEST SELLERS 10 Must-Read Articles from HBR Guide to Better Business Writing HBR 2009: A Year of Management Ideas HBR's Must-Reads on Managing Yourself How to Get the Right Work Done PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Things to Do Before You Disagree With the Strategy Let Your Customers Sell to Themselves How to Be a Changemaker 3 Reasons You Shouldn't Leave Your Job A Cheap and Instantly Effective Social Media Idea 6 Steps to Sizing Up a Negotiation 3 Tips for Assessing a Job Offer 3 Tips for Downsizing the Right Way How to Be a Good Leader in a Recession 3 Efficiency Tips for the Part-Timer HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)