Not being direct about what you want can hold you back. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about stepping on someone's toes or crossing boundaries, especially if, like me, you value being considerate of others. But I've learned that staying silent about your goals can mean missing opportunities.

In a past experience, there was a clear gap for a role that I really wanted to fill, but I felt it was my boss's responsibility, and I didn't want to 'take their job.' I never explicitly communicated my interest in that position, even though I was taking on related tasks and trying to 'help' with those responsibilities. Ultimately, the role was given to someone else.

I didn’t want to seem like I was overstepping or making my managers or colleagues uncomfortable. However, by holding back, I failed to clearly state my own ambitions. I thought I was being respectful, but in reality, I was hiding my intentions and missing out on opportunities.

The truth is, you don’t have to be mean or inconsiderate to be clear. You can express your goals while still respecting those around you. Let people know what you’re aiming for - make it clear that you’re not trying to take anyone's place, but rather that you want to grow alongside them. When people know your intentions, they might just help you get there. Unexpected opportunities often come to those who are transparent about where they want to go.

I’m still learning to find that balance: how to be caring without being vague, how to express what I need without feeling like I’m pushing too much. Being direct isn’t about being harsh; it’s about being clear. And clarity helps everyone grow.