Should You Speak Your Mind on an Important Point If You Know It Will Upset Your Manager

Should you speak your mind on an important point if you know it will upset your manager or should you hold back your thoughts in the name of making a good impression? Explain your answer. Response: Speaking from experience, as I am currently a consultant and have been a Fielding Director, Program Manager and a team lead as well as spending 20 years in the U. S. Navy; this question hits very close to home. I have made a living on speaking my mind and being completely honest.I am well known for always telling the truth whether it gains me something or not. However, I have learned in the last 10 years since I have retired, speaking your mind is great but there is a time and place for it. The first and foremost is don’t ever embarrass your boss. It’s ok to speak your mind but make it the correct time and place because if you embarrass your boss, even if you are correct in what you are saying, you are wrong for doing it.I have learned over the years that speaking your mind, while it may upset your boss at the beginning, if you do it with professionalism it will always work out. You also have to learn to sometimes agree to disagree. Meaning if they heard what you said but still are not going to go in the direction you feel it should go, learn to let it go. So my response is yes; it’s ok to speak your mind at the risk of upsetting your boss but learn to pick your battles and never embarrass your boss.