How to Disagree With a Boss

Disagreeing with your boss has the potential to be a disturbing experience if things don’t go well. If you allow yourself to become too upset about a problem, you run the risk of angering your boss and not accomplishing your goal. While your boss may not agree with you in the end, at least you’ll feel that you did everything possible to present your point of view and improve your work situation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. State your position politely and calmly, even if you think your boss is a complete idiot. Explain your position without interjecting any emotion into your explanation. “Bob, I think we’re unprepared to roll out the Fortunata 235 because it crashes every time it’s tested” is a better way to approach the problem than screaming, “How stupid are you, Bob?! There’s no way we can sell this piece of garbage.”

2. Start with points you know your boss will agree with, then move on to the more controversial topics. Although these points may be obvious, starting the discussion with both of you in agreement about something is important, even if the only thing you can agree on is that the Fortunata 235 is blue.

3. Send an email or memo if you don’t think you can calmly state your position. Write a rough draft of your position and then walk away from your computer for a few hours. When you return, look at the email or memo as objectively as possible and decide if you’ve worded it in the best possible way.

4. Practice what you’re going to say. Anticipate her point of view and how you will respond. Ask a friend or family member to play the part of your boss.

5. Enlist the support of your co-workers. If the issue will affect several of you, ask your co-workers to join with you in talking to your boss. When approached by a group, your boss is more likely to listen to your point of view.

6. Wait until the boss is in a good mood. You may only get one chance to present your objections and if the boss is upset about something else, you are unlikely to receive a favorable reaction. Approach the boss after lunch or at the end of the day for best results. Offer to set up a time to talk if your boss is busy and it’s hard to meet with him informally.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if the boss doesn’t immediately change his mind, all is not lost. It may take some time for your comments to sink in. If not, think of another way to approach the subject and try again at a later time.
• Resist the urge to threaten your boss about what might happen if she doesn't see things your way. This strategy could result in you getting fired.

Resources

• BNet
• The Road to CEO website

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[kandiamo]

on 12/9/2009 Also, never bring up a flaw in your boss' idea in front of others, no matter how innocuous or anonymous it may seem! Your boss will know it's her idea and feel you're publicly humiliating her even if presented generically.

Also, I once had a boss whose knee jerk response to everything was 'NO' because it gave her time to think. I learned to come into the office, sit down and ask about family or make chit chat, THEN ask for something, and always got a YES. My coworkers thought this was too much trouble when it was the boss' unprofessionalism to begin with, but in my book it was minimal effort for big return.