How to Disagree and Talk to your Boss

Ever get frustrated at work and wish you could argue till your thoughts are clearly heard. Ever want to tell your boss how your really don't like his ideas? But you don't want to get fired or get on the bad side of your boss? Here's a few tips on how to talk to your boss so that you will get on his/her good sides. Not really sucking up, but appearing like an asset without being labeled a teacher's pet in front of the other employees.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Just a quick mind

1. 
    

   Always listen attentively and never disagree unless it is something that is obvious wrong or stupid. This will feed his ego. As simple and as childish as this sounds, it really works. No matter how smart or wise your boss his, your agreement will make him happy. But, again, be attentive since he/she may actually trick you with a purposely dumb idea, which you definitely should point out.

2. 
    

   Makes sure your idea has some merit (makes sense) and is not simply a small extension or essentially the same idea. Otherwise, it will not only waste your boss' time but make you look foolish. It will lower you in front of his eyes (no Christmas bonus). You need to make sure your idea is worth mentioning. Doesn't have to be the super best idea or earth shattering, but needs to have some worthwhile qualities, not just to suck up to him/her.

3. 
    

   To get your ideas heard, make it sound like you are presenting your thoughts in addition to your boss' ideas. For example, you could say, "I really like your idea; in addition, we could also do this..." That way, you seem like you are adding something to his idea rather than disagreeing. In many cases, it's very easy to phrase your ideas so they don't seem like you are disagreeing. For example, if your boss has an idea to start selling brown lollipops, you should not say, "no, let's sell red ones." Instead, you should say, "in addition to those, why don't we also add red ones to give more variety." In this way, the boss gets to keep his pride and he may actually start thinking that red is better and decide to do away with brown altogether. The key here is to let your boss use you. Unless you are close to your boss' boss, you'll need to cater to your current boss so that he'll in turn reward you. I know...this sounds cheesy and simplistic, but I can't tell you how many times this has worked. I've been working for over 17 years and trust me, this is how it is in most companies.

[kandiamo]

on 12/9/2009 "Boss Management" should be in every college curriculum, maybe even high school. Good article!

[shannonny]

on 11/3/2008 Oh man, is this ever the truth! If only I knew then what I know now--especially the one about purposely tricking you with dumb questions. 5 Brownie Points!