It's important to say "no" or "we shouldn't be doing this" especially at startups. In my experience many startups hit a brick wall and it's the responsibility of new hires and promos to try and help the company move past that wall. As an engineer it is often the case that the company is solving the wrong problems. Running a strong team - that's the easy part. Pushing back on management and being able to collect data to defend your position and support your proposal - that's more difficult
