How to Speak Up Boldly — Even When It’s Unpopular

Why Challenging Decisions Make You a Stronger Team Player

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Have you ever stayed silent when you knew the decision was wrong?

Let me introduce Jennifer, a new program manager at a fast-paced startup.

It was only her third week on the job when the PM Director presented a shiny new initiative, the kind that dazzles in PowerPoint but collapses under real-world pressure. The room echoed with polite nods and forced smiles. Everyone seemed to agree, except Jennifer.

Her gut screamed, This is a train wreck waiting to happen. But her brain whispered, Stay quiet; you’re still proving yourself.

She didn’t stay quiet.

Jennifer asked the tricky question, pointing to the blind spots. The PM Director didn’t exactly give her a standing ovation, but after the meeting, he pulled her aside and said, “That was gutsy. And right.”

That moment stayed with her because leadership isn’t about saying yes to fit in. It’s about standing firm, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s the fire behind Amazon’s Principle #13: Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit.

This principle stopped me while preparing for an Amazon interview a few months…