How to Disagree with Your Boss

         Every workplace has a variety of personalities, work styles and cultures, so disagreements are inevitable. Disagreeing with your boss might not happen often, but when you feel the need to voice your opinion about an issue, it's always wise to do it respectfully (Mayhew, Media, N.D). In his article, Grenny (2014) provide a real life example happened in Dubai with Harsha and his boss Najib and after that they studied and analyzed the tactics of this interesting example and came up with some ways to disagree effectively.

           Here are four of the things these people do well according to Grenny (2014). First,

Contract for candor upfront which mean effective communicators do not wait for the need to disagree. They hold a separate conversation when the stakes are low and emotions are calm to agree with the boss about how to manage those moments when they disagree. Second, discuss intent before content. Some bosses gets defensive because they believes your dissent is a threat to their goals. So, you can be far more candid about your view if you frame it in the context of a mutual purpose that the boss already cares about. Third, respect before dissent which mean you must find a way to assure your boss that you respect his\her position. When that sense of respect is secure, you can venture into expressing your views openly and honestly. Finally, ask for - and earn- permission to disagree. Asking for permission is a powerful way of honoring the position of the boss and avoiding unnecessary provocation. However, there are some tips on how to disagree with your boss you have to be aware it as Daley (2004).

         These tips are maintain appropriate eye contact, listen without interrupting, be aware of your body language and tone of voice, leave out emotions and personal biases, be aware of the boss's goals and needs, choose the right time and place, use terms such as "suggest", offer a solution and present your opinions in the following manner: clear/concise, open/positive and profession (Daley, 2004).

References

 Boudreau, J (2015). Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from

 https://hbr.org/2014/08/its-time-to-retool-hr-not-split-it/

Daley, K. (2004). How to disagree with your boss. American Society of Training and Development, 58(4), 82-84.

Mayhew, R. Media, D (N.D). How to Respectfully Disagree With Your Boss. Retrieved from

http://work.chron.com/respectfully-disagree-boss-9066.html