How to stop taking bad advice that can cost you at work, according to an Ivy League psychologist
Sunita Sah, PhD, is a professor at Cornell University and an expert in organizational psychology. Sah is the author of the new book Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes.
“Wait your turn.” “Stay in your lane.” “Fake it ’til you make it.”
If you’ve worked in any professional environment, you’ve probably heard advice like this and even taken it. At first glance, it seems harmless—motivational, even. But dig deeper, and you’ll find these statements can often serve to stall progress, mask deeper problems, or encourage unhealthy workplace norms.
Why we’re prone to take bad advice
Understanding why we fall for bad advice is the first step in resisting it.
We confuse authority with credibility
In workplaces, hierarchies often amplify the influence of certain voices. A boss’s suggestion, however misguided, can feel like a directive rather than a choice. Research shows that people are more likely to comply with advice when it comes from someone they perceive as an expert, even if the advice doesn’t align with their own judgment. The result? We default to deference rather than critical thinking.
Insinuation anxiety
A concept I’ve researched extensively, insinuation anxiety, is the discomfort we feel when signaling that someone might be wrong or untrustworthy. We do not wish to imply that our bosses, managers, or other trusted advisors may be unethical, biased, corrupt, or incompetent by rejecting their advice. Rejecting advice outright can also risk social backlash or professional repercussions. This anxiety keeps many of us silent and compliant, leading us to follow advice we do not trust.
We underestimate our own expertise
Self-doubt often clouds our ability to evaluate advice critically. We might believe that following someone else’s advice could reduce feelings of regret and responsibility for unfavorable outcomes. When we’re uncertain, we lean on external guidance to validate our decisions, even if it conflicts with our better judgment.
How to resist bad advice
Every time we act on bad advice, we compromise something—our time, our resources, or our confidence. Breaking the cycle of compliance with bad advice doesn’t mean rejecting all guidance—it means learning to evaluate advice critically and align it with your goals and values. Here’s how to start:
Pause before you act
When faced with advice, take a moment to assess it. Ask yourself:
Does this align with my goals and values?
Does it address the root issue, or is it just a quick fix?
What are the benefits and risks of following it?
What are the alternatives?
Giving yourself this space allows you to move from a reactive response to a thoughtful one. When I finally questioned the advice to “just be patient,” I realized it was holding me back. By taking proactive steps—seeking mentors outside of the workplace and pursuing my values—I started shaping my own career path, and you can do the same.
Evaluate the source
Not all advice is created equal. Consider the advisor’s motivations and track record. Are they offering advice to help you, or are they trying to protect their own interests? Ask yourself, Who benefits from this advice? For instance, a manager who tells you to “get in line” might be more concerned with maintaining control than helping you grow. Don’t hesitate to weigh the advice against the bigger picture of your professional goals.
Ask for clarity
When advice feels vague or unhelpful, don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions. Bad advice often crumbles under scrutiny. When someone offers guidance that feels off, ask them:
“What’s your reasoning behind this?”
“Can you share examples of when this worked—or failed?”
“How does this align with what I want to achieve?”
Asking these questions not only helps you evaluate the advice but also shifts the dynamic, encouraging the giver to think more critically.
Trust your expertise
Remember, you bring your own knowledge and experience to the table. If advice conflicts with your better judgment, trust yourself to make the call. Research shows that people feel more, not less, culpable when they follow advice that they know is wrong and a bad outcome occurs.
Redefine success on your terms
Bad advice often thrives on ambiguity, authority, and misplaced deference. But by recognizing these dynamics and critically assessing the guidance we receive, we can stop taking advice that holds us back and start making decisions that move us forward.
In the workplace, saying no to bad advice doesn’t mean you’re difficult—it means you’re thoughtful. It creates space for better decisions, more authentic collaboration, and a culture that values clarity over unquestioned compliance. When you align your actions with your values, you redefine success on your own terms and forge your own path.
More on workplace well-being:
Setting boundaries at your new job will help you avoid burnout. Here’s how to start
Workplace wellness benefits don’t help. Here’s what does
Gaslighting can happen anywhere, from your home to your workplace. Here are the warning signs
Bragging about your work stress may make you seem less likable and incompetent, says new study
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
