Not asking for clarification because of fear of looking incompetent in front of authority.

FIX: If you don't understand what success looks like, ask for clarification, specifics or examples. If you ask well-informed questions, you'll look a whole lot smarter than if you execute i...

In general, the higher up the audience, the less detail you should be providing. Frequently, executives get tuned out when they report to higher levels and provide too much detail about their topic.

FIX: Cater your comments to the highest level person in the room, and address what he...

Using qualifiers such as "I think" or "we might" or "I hope to" before your points. It lacks confidence.

FIX: Start paying attention to how you use language, and if you're hiding behind qualifiers. Tape yourself or ask a colleague to take note of when you use them, and find a comfort...

This norm serves a great purpose in that bad ideas can be debated and debunked. However, it also kills a lot of good ideas as well. 

FIX: Stop yourself from first pointing out what's wrong in a situation, and make it a habit to jump to what's right instead. 

If an idea is simpl...

This occurs when we want so much to be a likable team player that we come across as a yes person. Every idea is great, each deadline is possible, and new projects are all upside.

FIX: When you find yourself tempted to state agreement even though you don't feel it, express your t...