We all talk about the importance of a strong corporate culture that encourages people to call out misconduct, but frankly, speaking truth to power can be hazardous to your health and your career—particularly if the occupant of the corner office doesn’t like bad news.
Yet over my career, I’ve had opportunity to be close to those in power at the Pentagon, the White House, and a public policy institute, and I occupied the corner office of a professional association for almost 25 years myself. From that vantage point I was able to observe the characteristics of those who succeed in delivering the truth to people in power.
