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136 It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor

Before you press on, consider that maybe a major problem has
occurred that you don’t know about that makes your idea a lower pri-
ority or not entirely relevant anymore. Maybe the senior executives
have a more pressing issue and you’re keeping them from getting to
it. Or, maybe it’s a beautiful day and half the room is itching to get
on the golf course and hit a round.
This is the time to pause, step back, and try to figure out what’s
going on to the extent that you can. If you think it’s okay to press on
with a different tack, say by asking questions and leading a discussion
rather than talking, then press on. But if you sense that, for whatever
reason, the room isn’t with you today and isn’t going to be, you might
actually win a few points by suggesting that you table this idea for
another time and asking what the group would prefer you do.
The same thing is true for voicing your opinion, asking for
support, and providing help to others or checking in on them. If
you aren’t sure your timing is right, it’s okay to ask a “couching
question.”

• Before you spout an opinion: Are you looking for feedback
at this point or are you not quite ready for that yet?
• Before asking for support: How is everyone else’s
workload? Or, I’d like some help on this, when’s a good
time to talk?
• Before offering unsolicited help: How’s the project going?
Do you have any questions so far?
• Before checking up on a team member: I’d love an update
on that project. When would be good for you?

What’s Next

Cultivating your social intelligence is only a part—though a big
part—of being more politically savvy.