How to Get Your Boss's Boss to Understand

Executives trust people who address tough issues upfront. When you acknowledge uncertainty and outline contingency paths, you demonstrate maturity and awareness. Your credibility takes a hit if they discover something you should have anticipated.

If you don’t lead with the executive answer, you signal that you don’t understand how decisions get made at the top.

From my experience as a senior leader and a board member, I know executives assume a simple rule: If you can’t explain it clearly, you don’t fully understand it.