Speaking up as an intern is terrifying because the power dynamic is so heavily skewed. When you push back, you are essentially questioning your boss’s authority and expertise. The risks are pretty obvious: ruining a vital relationship, damaging reputation, or getting replaced since interns are expendable.
I would use the “How to Speak Up” framework to navigate this:
Realize the Difficulty: First, I must validate my own fear. It is psychologically difficult to challenge a superior who holds the keys to my future employment. Acknowledging that this fear is normal, rather than a sign of weakness, helps me move past the paralysis.
Lessen the Social Threat: To avoid triggering my boss’s defensiveness, I would frame my hesitation as a concern for the company rather than a personal moral objection. By asking, “Are we risking Zantech’s reputation if this leaks?” I position myself as an ally protecting the team, rather than a subordinate questioning their judgment.
Make a Plan: My strategy depends on the source of the order. If this is just Mr. Moon acting alone, I can plan to escalate the issue to HR or Emma. However, if this deceit reflects the company’s core values (as hinted by the cc’d leadership), I cannot escalate. In that scenario, my plan must shift from “fixing the issue” to protecting my own reputation, which likely means walking away.
