When you feel it’s risky to share concerns with your manager, conventional wisdom says to choose your words very carefully, avoiding political landmines and emotional hot buttons. And when you worry that your suggestions won’t go anywhere (even if there’s little risk in raising them), the usual prescription is to make a solutions-oriented, data-driven case, paying close attention to your boss’s current priorities, stressors, and other factors so you can frame and deliver a message that is more likely to compel action.