It frustrates me to no end that some engineers in this industry refuse to take a side in technical discussions or debates—especially those in higher ranks or positions of authority.

Have some bloody courage, take a side, and be accountable. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be wrong. But it’s not okay to hold others back from making progress because you’re too afraid of being wrong or too hesitant to accept responsibility.

Sure, sometimes the subject matter is complex, and a truly neutral stance feels justified. When it’s not obvious whether A or B is better, at the very least, propose an alternative—C, perhaps? Or establish a default stance by saying, “I’m not certain which is better, but I lean toward B based on my gut feeling or past experiences.” That’s progress. That’s forward momentum.

Dragging out decisions over meeting after meeting out of fear of making a mistake is one of the worst things you can do as a collaborator—in any field.

Please, if you’re qualified in the field, have the courage to take a side. Have some balls and be accountable. If you can’t be that person, give that power to someone else who can.