Speaking truth to power is so against the culture of hierarchy that we have made it a personal virtue–at least in theory.

In reality, speaking truth to power is seldom seen as a virtue. Most of the time, the less powerful are expected to do what they are told, follow the rules and keep their mouths shut. Those among us who dare to speak truth to power are considered insubordinate and disciplined, or punished, for their boldness.

In our culture, we hold the courage to speak truth as a virtue, and at the same time have little tolerance for it in practice. To be celebrated as a courageous truth-speaker, rather than an insubordinate trouble-maker, several conditions must exist.

First, you must be no more than one rung lower than the person you are challenging.  A deputy or assistant to the chief is generally given more latitude in speaking truth than those several tiers down the org chart. Even equipped with the best arguments and insights, front line employees are prohibited from telling the truth to their leaders. Theoretically, anyone can share their perspectives with their bosses, which is where truth-telling usually stops.

Second, you can only speak truth prior to a decision being made. Once the power authority has decided, no one is supposed to question it, even when assumptions have proven false or circumstances have vastly changed the context. In spite of the best attempts of project managers to respond to changes, projects in motion are rarely questioned or terminated. Even project managers and sponsors are discouraged from speaking truth.

Third, to be virtuous in speaking truth to power, you must win. In the moment of challenge, the person at the top is automatically considered right, and the challenger is considered to be the fool.  Only if the fool wins will her/his courage be celebrated.

Absent these three conditions, speaking truth to power is risky and usually ends badly for the challenger.

It does not have to be so! Imagine a workplace where everyone is expected to tell the truth all the time. Such a workplace is possible if we have the courage to question and eliminate ineffective cultural rules that keep us all locked in silence.

Please tell me about your experiences and observations with speaking truth to power in the comments section below.  You don’t need to share your real name.

For more information about truth-telling and crazy rules of the workplace, see my book Management Culture at mgmtculture.com.