Do you want to hear some shocking news about your work life? You’ve probably been misled.

That’s because you have the impression you can only boss up by cutting corners and taking integrity shortcuts. “Taking charge” could seem like coded language to be demanding, snappy, manipulative, or intimidating.

But here’s the straight talk: Bossing up isn’t built on demands and ultimatums. Instead, make your work life work by counterbalancing hard skills (like design, accounting, or coding) with people skills.

Is your inner skeptic asking WIIFM? The upside is quantifiable: Envision showing up every day as trustworthy, courageous, honest, ethical, and generous. You arrive as the best version of yourself—someone who knows how to accomplish goals and finish projects with more carrot and less stick. And you are the person whose sleek, sophisticated thinking wins the argument as well as the crowd.

Stick with me to learn how to develop people skills and rewrite your story with work.