One of my coaching clients, April, was in a meeting last week with her skip-level manager.
He turned to her and said: “Would you mind writing the product design doc for this?”
(For non-engineers: Writing the product design doc is a big deal. You get major visibility and credit, which helps you get promoted.)
April looked at her peer, the head engineer on the project who she deeply respects. He said: “Yeah, totally. You should do it.”
Her skip-level wanted her to do it. Her peer wanted her to do it. Everyone in the room was nodding.
She still almost said no.
The Problem
You get asked to lead an important project — and you still question it.
- “But they’re more qualified.”
- “Why would they pick me?”
- “I don’t deserve this opportunity.”
You hesitate. Or worse, you say no.
Meanwhile, someone else says yes without thinking twice (and gets the promotion you wanted).
The Big Small Thing
When someone gives you permission, TAKE IT!
Here’s 3 things I told April during our coaching session:
#1: They chose you for a reason.
Your skip-level manager didn’t randomly pick your name out of a hat. They see something in you.
Maybe it’s your perspective. Maybe it’s how you communicate. Maybe you’re better at translating technical concepts into clear language than you realize. Stop second-guessing their judgment.
#2: “Taking credit” isn’t stealing if they’re giving it to you.
April thought she’d be stealing credit from her peer who was doing more of the engineering work. But he literally said: “Yeah, you should do it.”
If the person doing the work is telling you to take the opportunity, you’re not stealing anything.
#3. Saying yes doesn’t mean you have to be perfect.
April wasn’t the top engineer for the project. But she was the best person to communicate the vision clearly. That might be you. And if your manager thinks it is, trust them.
So next time someone offers you an opportunity that feels out of your league, ask yourself this:
- Did my manager choose me? (Yes)
- Did my peers object? (No)
- Can I learn what I don’t know? (Yes)
Then say yes. Immediately. Before you talk yourself out of it.
Yes, literally say “I’d love to. Thank you for thinking of me.”
Want more? Check out my free guide to getting promoted
How This Helps You Get What You Want
When you turn down opportunities, you’re not protecting anyone. You’re just holding yourself back.
Stop asking “why me?” when people have already answered that question by choosing you.
