As you know, I write these messages from what I hear in my coaching and training programs. This message is about something I’m hearing more about. It has to do with young professionals who are stepping up in significant ways to promote change in their firms.

If you are one who is pushing for change, be careful of how you proceed. You don’t want to be accused of using sharp elbows to force your initiative onto others, no matter how right you are. No one likes to be shown up or overridden by a less-experienced, over-confident young ‘un.

Here are two examples of how you could do it.

One young professional is in a precarious position. While all agree he is right in his initiative, his confidence and aggressiveness can be interpreted as arrogance. He will end up sabotaging his right-ness by promoting it the wrong way. He’s in danger of coming across as rubbing his leaders’ noses in the errors of their judgments. He may feel justified in the moment but will not position himself in the firm as a leader—but only as an agitator.

On the other hand, another young star exhibits the same energy and conviction for her initiative while being cognizant of her leaders’ positions and apprehensions, as well as appreciating the challenges of instituting her initiative. She has earned the reputation throughout the firm as a leader to be listened to and respected, not rebuffed and minimized.

Change is hard enough. True change agents find ways to make it easier for others to do the right thing, not create barriers and reasons to resist it.

This week, keep your elbows in by moderating your frustration with others. Be respectful even when they don’t deserve it. Demonstrate emotional maturity that is worthy of a young leader.