Summary: If you have ever had to approach a more senior member of your firm to disagree with the way something is being handled, this article provides some ideas for what may be the best methodology to use!
What is the best method for an employee to disagree with a boss?
Having been on both the management and non-management side of business during my career, I know only too well the quandary one can sometimes find themselves facing when it comes to handling disagreements in the workplace.
These disagreements can come in many forms and run the gamut from substantive strategy issues down to seating arrangements and everything else that may fall in-between.
And while a disagreement will take one form when a member of senior management has a disagreement with someone their junior in the organization, it’s another thing all-together when an underling disagrees with a superior.
So for that junior employee of the firm, what are some strategies for how a disagreement with the boss can be best handled?
From an article at the website Knightsbridge, ‘How to disagree with your boss‘:
- Frame your comments around something that is important to your boss. If you think that a proposed process is too cumbersome, talk about your concern in terms of efficiency. “I know efficiency is a priority for you, I see a couple of steps in this process that take up time without adding much value.”
- Keep your comments objective and use credible evidence to support your case. “You’re proposing that we raise prices by 7%. Based on our volume decline after the price increase of 5% in 2012, I’m concerned that 7% will actually lead to lower revenues.” Or, if you want to be less assertive, you could say “What did we learn about price sensitivity when we increased prices by 5% in 2012?”
- Evoke curiosity and generate a good discussion by being clear about where you came to a different conclusion than your boss. “I’m surprised that you proposed a shorter timeline for the IT project. I reviewed the project plan and I didn’t see opportunities to cut. Would you walk me through where you see potential time savings?”
- Allude to your company’s ground rules or values as a reminder of why your comments are appropriate. “Because we value diverse perspectives, I think it’s important for us to consider our options before deciding which way to go. One idea that we haven’t discussed is…”
A few additional tips:
Talk about it
Where possible, have a private conversation with your boss about differences of opinion. Ask about your boss’ preferences such as “What are you counting on me to deliver?” “How should I approach it if I disagree with you on something?” “What types of issues would you like me to raise in our meetings and what types of things would you prefer I address in private?”
Go easy
If you haven’t had a frank conversation about disagreements with your boss, then stick to the more conservative options. Save substantive disagreements for private settings, keep the content very objective, keep the tone open and curious rather than assertive.
See how you did
Find a time to get some feedback after you disagree with your boss. “You and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on the price issue yesterday. How did my comments in the meeting land? How would you like me to handle similar situations in the future?”
Disagreeing with your boss might feel intimidating. It’s important that you do it anyway. If you do it carefully and respectfully (no eye-rolling, exasperated sighs, or raised voice), your boss is more likely to value you, not less. If it goes badly, each of the approaches I shared leaves room to gracefully fall into line with your boss with little or no harm done.
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Written by Michael Haltman, President of Hallmark Abstract Service, New York.
HAS is a provider of title insurance in New York State for residential and commercial real estate transactions specializing in the areas of New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
Remember that you have the right to choose your own title company (click here to learn more)!
If you have any questions you can reach Michael by email at mhaltman@hallmarkabstractllc.com.
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