DEAR ABBY: I was recently promoted and now work closely with presidents, CIOs, CEOs and COOs and a lower-ranking member of an executive team. During meetings, some of these high-ranking individuals issue statements of fact that I know are incorrect.
I care deeply about this company, and I want a long and prosperous career here. How, when and to whom should I point out these errors for the good of the company? I have no desire to embarrass, hurt or make anyone look bad -- or to earn enemies. -- LITTLE FISH/BIG POND IN LOS ANGELES
DEAR LITTLE FISH: Frankly, much depends on the temperament of the executives with whom you're working. If the person is a self-important blowhard who needs to feel he or she is infallible, it might be better to keep your mouth shut. If, however, the misstatement could come back to embarrass the person at a later date -- or cause the team to lose credibility -- then correct him or her quietly and privately. To do otherwise could be perceived as trying to "one-up" the senior team member -- or worse, stab the person in the back.