Timing is very important when one is part of a team or a middle manager. They have to be mindful of the situation when dealing with seniors. Whereas the seniors are at liberty and dictate the terms and timing of something.

I was reading The 360-degree Leader by John Maxwell in which he has listed when to Push and when to Back-off when leading up.

WHEN SHOULD I PUSH FORWARD?

1. Do I know something my boss doesn’t but needs to?
2. Is time running out?
3. Are my responsibilities at risk?
4. Can I help my boss win?

WHEN SHOULD I BACK OFF

1. Am I promoting my own personal agenda?
2. Have I already made my point?
3. Must everyone but me take the risk?
4. Does the atmosphere say “No”?
5. Is the timing right only for me?
6. Does my request exceed our relationship?

It’s a simple math here but also depends on the situation, that whenever you are going to go to your manager with an idea there are more chances of it being a wrong time than right.