What is Your Boss Thinking When You Disagree?

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice •


Many workers mistakenly believe they need to go along with their boss's every whim in order to be liked and respected in the workplace. This couldn't be further from the truth. Your boss didn't hire you to be a robot, so you must be able to provide valuable input and ideas about how the company should run. Read on for a few tips your boss wants you to consider before presenting a disagreement.

Do Your Homework First

If you come across something that doesn't sound right to you, take a pause before bringing it up to your boss. Ask yourself why he'd make a decision like this, and try to answer that question based on your previous knowledge. Taking some time to think the situation through helps you see things from your boss' perspective and may quell any need for further clarification. If it doesn't, go ahead and approach your boss about the issue, but do so respectfully.

Speak Up

If you truly take issue with the way your boss is handling something, don't wait to be asked your opinion on the matter. Your boss needs feedback from you in order to do an effective job, so it's important not to shy away from addressing something that affects you negatively. Pick your battles wisely; complaining about minor issues that don't directly affect your job performance may make you seem petty or disgruntled.

Offer an Alternative

Disagreeing with your boss is only one half of the equation. If you truly feel that a certain process isn't the most effective way to go, be prepared to offer an alternative. Your boss expects you to be a problem solver, so don't voice a differing opinion if you're not prepared to back it up with better ideas.

Consider Your Surroundings

There is a right time and place to voice a disagreement with your boss. A group meeting with clients or other colleagues present isn't that time. Avoid presenting your opinion during any situation when your boss might need to save face; you're not likely to get a genuine response, and you may come across tactless or rude. Instead, wait for some one-on-one time when you can really flesh out your ideas and get real feedback without all the extra witnesses.

Respect the Final Decision

If you present your argument to your boss, understand that it is only a suggestion. Your boss has the final say in the matter, and may go along with his original plan even after hearing you out. This doesn't mean he doesn't value your input; there may be external factors you don't know about that are affecting his choices. Trust his decision, and move forward with the plan.

A simple disagreement with your boss doesn't have to induce feelings of anxiety or stress. Follow these tips to present your argument both courteously and professionally. Any good boss should respect and welcome a different point of view, as long as its presented properly.


Photo courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson •

    @Lester C thanks for your comment. Couldn't have said it any better. All businesses should be open to new ideas from their employees - and should recognize that employee - give credit to them, not take it all for themselves. And, if there are differences, they should be able to be worked out - quietly and quickly to the satisfaction of both the employer and the employee.

  • Lester C.
    Lester C. •

    Best decisions made for companies, when common ground is applied from both sides. A progressive business owner should appreciate and acknowledge when employees bring about new ideas the will assist businesses to be more effective and competitive for future growth and success. So, if you work in a business that do not welcome difference of opinion and an environment that support it through collaborative efforts you probably not working in a successful bussiness. Applied information is the evolution of all business in order to stay relevant.

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