How to Push Back on Unrealistic Expectations

In partnership with

Hey Fam,

I heard a story last week you may be able to relate to.

A department head got one of those requests that make you wince. Their team needed to roll out new company-wide software.

It's normally an 18-month job.

But the senior leaders wanted it done in 6 months, with half the money, and no extra people.

Sound familiar?

We all know that moment.

• Say yes, and your team suffers for months.
• Say no, and you worry about looking difficult.

Well, what he said next changed how the senior leaders viewed him – for the better.

Instead of the usual “we’ll try our best” or pushback that creates defensiveness, he said something that turned an impossible request into a strategic conversation and a plan that could actually work.

In short, he pushed back professionally.

Here’s something I love about organizational dynamics:

The most respected leaders aren’t the ones who heroically deliver impossible demands—they’re the ones who skillfully reframe those demands into achievable outcomes.

But far too many leaders view impossible demands as the norm.

And here’s the reality most people miss:

Saying yes to unrealistic expectations isn’t being a team player—it’s setting everyone up to fail.

So, you know I have another framework for you.

Try the SPEAK framework for pushing back professionally:

S - State the situation objectively
P - Present the implications
E - Explore alternatives
A - Align on priorities
K - Keep the dialogue open

Let’s get it

S - State the situation objectively

Think of this as telling a story your grandmother would understand.

• Show what's on everyone's plate right now

• Share the real numbers, simply and clearly

• Point out where things might break

Wrong approach: "This is crazy and impossible!"
Right approach: "Here's what we're dealing with right now."

People tune out when emotion takes over. Facts cut through chaos.

P - Present the implications