Jane ... I knew I liked you and now I know why.

What Mary said about there being so many excelent points here, it's hard to know where to start.

You have clearly articulated both why it is important to display the courage to speak up and speak out AND the reality that consequences may follow.  I have come to the realization that speaking up is what has to happen, even when one knows that the outcomes may not be what you want.

I would add that this willingness to risk is easier when you win:).   I have experienced the frustration of "fighting the good fight" on behalf of positive and progressive management, and having my efforts be for naught ... at least, where I was at the time.

Two thoughts here:
1)  Where I was is not where I am and maybe was not where I should have been.  Sometimes as we fight the fights, we need to step back and consider whether we are in the best place.  I am not one of those who believe in security over self-respect, so leaving a bad situation does not rattle me as much as it used to.

2)  Sometimes fighting the fight that needs to be fought is the point in and of itself, letting the outcome happen as they will.  Others have shared with me how my doing and saying the right thing influences them to be more courageous ... that's a result that is apart from whether the issue of the moment is resolved successfully or not.

You have graced us once again with thoughtful and heroic leadership wisdom ... for that, I am personally grateful:)

John