Dare to say no... and be heard
However, there is nothing wrong with disagreeing with your management's decisions. On the contrary, disagreeing is even vital for thriving in your work. So how do you contradict your superior without attracting their wrath or upsetting them? Below are a few tips...Don't be afraid to criticize
Twenty years ago, it was unthinkable in a traditional company for any employee to criticize their management and openly express their opinion. Fortunately, times have changed, and even daring to say "I disagree" to your management has become a professional quality. It is feedback that allows teams to move forward and for the business leader to readjust things. So, don't keep your remarks to yourself. Whether they are heard or not, everyone will benefit!Prepare your intervention well
By opposing your management, you take a more or less measured risk depending on whether they receive your initiative badly. It is therefore advisable to carefully prepare your intervention and arrive before your boss with a clear objection and solid arguments. This will prevent you from making decisions in the heat of anger and allow you to be confident when engaging in the discussion. Thus, you will be all the more credible with your management and able to demand that they listen to you.Propose alternative solutions
For your criticism to be acceptable, you must come before your boss with a ready-made counter-proposal. By expressing your opposition while providing an alternative and well-argued solution, perhaps even more effective, your boss will be more inclined to listen and question. Furthermore, this ability to provide solid suggestions and formulate improvement proposals is a sign of maturity and seriousness that can only be appreciated by your management. Thus, you will distinguish yourself from others...Be measured in your criticism
To dare to criticize your boss and state your disagreement, it is better to be well-regarded by him. To do this, maintain a trusting relationship with him and don't be systematically on the defensive. Constantly opposing him can, on the contrary, make you lose your legitimacy, even if your criticism is justified. As you show him your disapproval, know how to also show him your agreement when necessary. He will take your criticisms more seriously. Without being a yes-man, know how to be fair in your remarks.Be discreet
The mistake never to make is to question your boss's decisions in public. Even if you disagree with a decision made concerning your teams, especially avoid sharing it with your boss in front of them. If these decisions are expressed in a meeting, hold your tongue and wait to be alone with him to express your disagreement, especially if your remarks concern the skills of one or more people on your teams. As much as possible, prefer one-on-one discussions, which are simpler and often more frank.Wait for the right moment
Don't talk about company strategy and your disagreements with upcoming projects if your boss is busy with something else, especially something important. For your grievances to be acceptable, wait until he is relaxed and available to listen. Choose, for example, lunchtime, a coffee break, or, if you wish to discuss it in an official setting, suggest an appointment where you will be alone with him.Speak up in meetings
Project meetings are the time not to miss if you want to express your objections to the new company strategy or vision, because once the decision is made, you can no longer go back on it. Even if you find yourself more exposed in front of your colleagues than in your boss's office, this configuration can also allow you to obtain the support of the team and thus give more weight to your comments.Be legitimate
Also, don't question a decision if you are not fully competent on the subject. It can be dangerous to contradict your superior on a topic you don't master. Depending on our skills, knowledge, and experience, the weight of the ideas we express and our remarks varies. If you disagree with your management on a topic you don't fully understand, ask a colleague who is more legitimate on this subject to relay your points of view.Accept the decision
Don't forget that your boss has the final say. If he sticks to his positions, you must play the game and accept defeat. The risk in daring to show your disagreement is that he listens but does not change his mind, and you must expect and respect that. This means that you must implement the decision that has been made without complaining. If you demand that your boss listen to you, you cannot impose your point of view on him.
Paola Tumbarello
Directrice ExeKutive.biz
