Dear Ella: How Do I Challenge A Flawed Decision?

Dear Ella,

I was in a meeting last week where everyone seemed ready to approve a plan that I thought had a significant flaw.

I considered saying something, but the senior person leading the discussion was clearly eager to move forward. I had already raised two questions earlier in the meeting, and I could feel myself approaching my unofficial limit.

So I stayed quiet.

The plan was approved. The flaw emerged three days later.

How do I challenge a decision without becoming the person everyone wishes had taken the afternoon off?

Signed, Carefully Concerned in California

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Dear Carefully Concerned,

There appears to be an unwritten bylaw in many organizations that a woman may raise a concern, provided she does so briefly, pleasantly, and no more than twice per quarter.

Fortunately, this rule has no legal standing.

Your job in that moment was not to prove everyone else wrong. It was to make the missing consideration available before the decision became considerably more expensive.

That does not require a speech.

Try:

“Before we move forward, I think we need to consider one risk.”

Then name the risk.

No lengthy preface. No apology for interrupting. No assurance that you are “probably overthinking it.” You are allowed to contribute judgment without first filing a request for social permission.

Some people may still find this inconvenient.

So are preventable mistakes.

Warmly,

Ella

Ella’s Last Word: Say it plainly. Say it respectfully. Say it before the decision is made.

Explore Ellevae: If you are ready to strengthen your authority without becoming louder, harder, or less yourself, start with the Influence Path.

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