When Saying “Yes” Isn’t About the Work

When we don’t fully trust ourselves, we start looking for validation from everyone else. And in our field, that can show up as quickly saying yes to every request—especially the random, tactical stuff—because we want to prove we’re valuable, helpful, needed.

Over time, that habit can trap us. We look up and realize we’re writing the emails, scheduling the meetings, chasing approvals—stuck in a cycle we didn’t consciously choose.

I’m not saying that’s the only reason our function is often underappreciated. There are bigger structural dynamics at play. But I do think back on earlier chapters in my career and wonder: if I had trusted myself more—if I had believed that my judgment was worth protecting—maybe I would’ve set clearer boundaries and focused more on the strategic work that actually moves things forward.

Something to reflect on: Where are you saying yes out of confidence—and where are you saying yes out of fear of being left out or overlooked?