How to Disagree with Someone More Powerful than You. ~ Manager Hints

Disagreement at the workplace is common at all workplaces. Because everyone has their own ideas, opinions, creativity, and values which may or may not be similar to other colleagues. All the time agreeing with other's ideas might showcase that we are not competent/ confident to express our thoughts in front of all. Disagreement with a colleague is easily manageable.

But, disagree with someone more powerful than us like a boss or manager etc.things become very difficult and inducing situations occur for us. Because negative thoughts, fired from a job, etc tentative thoughts rolling inside our brain.

In one of my corporate training, for getting a 70% chance that creates an excellent career opportunity for us. Often people opt-out from disagreement and do as per boss/manager wishes. Because disagreement with a powerful personality requires lots of mental fitness, control over the words, and mainly gurts to showcase and express the views.

Below are some tips, how to disagree with someone more powerful than you, by maintaining healthy relationships and respect between you and boss/manager.

1) Think reasonably

Stop thinking about negative thoughts. Be realistic and think about how do I convince/put my point of view in front of my boss/manager.? There will be higher chances that superiors may react with the disagreement. If your point of view is valid and convincing then the same disagreement won't have any negative impact on your job and professional relationship.

2) Wisely Choose Time and Place

Understand and think wisely when to speak and when not to speak. Because disagreement with your boss/manager in a meeting or public/ private space might show that you are threatening his/her opinions.

For them, this is an embarrassment and no matter for them you are right or wrong. If possible do some risk assessment means to gather and share your opinions with others and take feedback before disagreement. Because there is no meaning later after-action being taken.

The safer side prefers a private conversation with your boss/manager when you disagree with his/her opinions.

3)Start with Goals/ Target.

You and your boss/manager work to achieve one common goal that may be projected goals/ sales targets/ delivery milestones etc. Always start your context with common goals.

Before sharing your opinions take hold for a while and think about your boss/manager goals. For them, what matters most and contextualize your disagreement in a way that you are caring for boss/manager goals indirectly.

4) Use I rather than You

In conversation always frame your sentence with me, not you. Because if you are using YOU means you are attacking your boss/manager.

If you start your statement with I which showcasing that is your opinions and perspective and boss/manager will consider this in personal perspective/ opinions/thoughts/ review site.

5) Others things keeping in mind

Be humble
Be respective
Be listener
Remain calm and maintain a compose posture throughout the conversation
Take permission for disagreement

Conclusion

Most of the people think that speaking up and raising the voice for disagreement for your boss/manager and send them in pressure that is the wrong way for disagreement.

In spite of this, if you learn how to disagree with someone who is more powerful then you then it won't lead you any negative outcomes that going in your mind. Also, your relationship with your boss/manager won't be hampered.

It's all about being respectful

Share this article with everyone and learn how to disagree with superiors by maintaining and earning good relationships and respect.

Manager Hints