There are a number of situations where you may disagree with someone higher up than you. For example, your boss may want to implement a new project strategy, but your analysis indicates that it won’t yield the desired results. Or you’ve been offered feedback on your performance that you feel doesn’t do justice to your contribution over a given period. How do you approach a delicate situation like this?
There are ways to express your feelings without burning bridges. Pro tip: Don’t use the phrase “you’re wrong” at any point in the conversation.
Remember that employers always value people who have an opinion and don’t just blindly follow the crowd. However, the key is in the way you express yourself, because disagreeing with someone who is superior to you and who clearly has more authority requires smart strategies.
Here are some ways to disagree with your boss diplomatically and express your opinion:
1) After you know what to say, understand when to say it. The first and most important step is to carefully consider the place and time to express your opinion. For example, if you disagree with your boss in a broader setting, in a team meeting or during a discussion with superiors, you may end up in a negative light. You may be seen as someone who undermines his authority. Therefore, it is better to talk to your boss in private to have a personal conversation. Also, if you see that your boss is busy with important matters or stressed due to some problem, avoid talking to him altogether. Wait for a time when he doesn’t have much to do and seems ready to engage in a conversation. 2) Ask yourself if you have all the facts to support your point of view. If you simply barge into your boss’s office with half-baked information and nothing concrete in your hands, your point of view will be immediately dismissed. Therefore, it is important to properly build your case with thorough research and data. If you think that a certain strategy suggested by them might not work, clearly explain to them why and lay out the facts to convey why you think so. By doing so, you will also demonstrate that you have carefully considered all the factors to ensure that the long-term success of a project or the company is not affected in any way.
3) Don’t let your emotions rule you – A healthy disagreement can instantly turn into a major conflict if you allow your emotions to drive the conversation. You must remain calm and composed at all times and completely avoid any display of frustration or anger in your tone. Understand that they are not your adversaries and that this is not an argument you have to win.
Get your point across without sounding defensive or arrogant. Also, if your relationship with your manager or boss hasn’t been great for a while, you definitely don’t want to let that affect your argument. Staying neutral and positive is of utmost importance.
4) Listen actively and acknowledge their perspective – In addition to expressing your point of view, listening and acknowledging what your boss has to say is equally important. This can help you in two ways: it will allow you to better understand why your boss wants to implement a certain strategy or change the direction of a project; and it will give him or her the impression that you respect his or her opinion and are willing to find common ground because, ultimately, you both want what is best for the growth and success of the organization.
5) Know when to stop and accept the last word – Remember that your job is to help your boss understand your point of view. Whatever the final verdict is, you must accept and respect it. Therefore, once you feel that the boss is not ready to change his decision, consider it as a signal to move on. Continuing to disagree can strain your relationship with your boss, and you don’t want that to happen.
Make sure you choose your battles wisely and learn the art of moving on from a disagreement when necessary. Also, end your conversation by thanking your boss for keeping the lines of communication open enough for you to voice your disagreement on a matter.
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