While voicing your disagreement in an informal setting could lead to healthy debate,doing the same in a professional environment,specially with your boss could be tricky,finds Reneta Kripalani
Barack Obama stated,"Yes,We can disagree without being disagreeable."This simple statement would be a lot simpler if we simply practiced it! Easier said than done right Disagreements among colleagues are common at a workplace,however,a disagreement with your boss could put you in a sticky situation.Kavya Somaiya,Assistant Manager in a media firm explains,"At work,you mee people from diverse backgrounds and varied temperaments.Thus,when you work as a team,there is bound to be friction.However,it's important to respect each individual,especially your boss,and work towards the growth of the company."She further adds,"Your boss is where s/he is due to his/her experience and expertise.Thus,if you disagree with your boss,it's best to disagree without being disagreeable.That way,you can maintain your relationship,which is critical."Rahul Arora,a financial planner,adds,"A boss can be a good mentor and do wonders for your career;thus you would not want to offend him/her without due reason."
Listed below are a few pointers on how to tide through the situation: To begin with,before putting forth your disagreement,it is important to build a powerful case.Be a solution provider rather than a problem maker."Do your homework well before you voice your disagreement.After all you don't want to look foolish and juvenile if asked to justify your idea,"feels Somaiya."Also,be open to the idea that you may be wrong,"adds Arora.
"Never voice a disagreement with your boss in public,"suggests Devika Gidwani,Country Head India,HRD Antwerp.
Avoid misunderstandings and communication gaps: "When voicing your disagreement with your boss,you could use a phrase like,'If we look at the situation in this way,it could benefit us in this way.What do you think'It helps to show your boss the advantages of looking at the situation from your perspective,rather than focusing on the disagreement,"feels Devika.Sonal Kuiya,Manager Ad Sales,Maxim,seconds the idea and further adds,,"Having said this,leave the final decision to your boss.It's best not to push it too far.S/he takes the call at the end of the day."
If you choose to disagree,never use phrases like,"It has never worked in the past" or "This idea did fail in the past".Plan your words well.You would not want to lead into a heated argument."Keep your ego aside.Such situations are not about individuals,they are about the bigger picture,"feels Somaiya,"Also,know that you cannot always win."During the course of the conversation,refrain from using "I" too often.Using "we" would sound more from a team perspective rather than individualistic."Today,bosses are more open to ideas as long as it's in the best interest of the product,"adds Kuiya."Leadership today has become more participative than authoritative,"feels Kavya."A good team lead will always listen to counter arguments.However,agreeing or disagreeing depends on a number of factors,including higher authorities,"explains Sandeep Ayyer,Senior Manager,Business Solutions and Support,In-Solutions Global Pvt Ltd.Arora mentions,"Big ideas are born out of brainstorms and disagreements;so do not shy away from expressing your disagreement if you feel strongly about it.Your boss will appreciate that you have an opinion,however,make sure you do not come on too strongly.""At the end of the day,a boss is a 'boss'.It is important to respect his/her authority and e x p e r i e n c e.Probably s/he could have a perspective that cannot be shareed.Else,s/he could could also be under some pressure,"asserts Arora.Arora rightly states,"You and your boss are working towards the growth of the company.It is important to maintain a healthy relationship for peaceful co-existence and work well together.Thus,handle a disagreement with professionalism and do not take it personally."Kavya signs off saying,"Do not let it become a clash of egos."
Courtesy: Ahmedabad Mirror (Mon, 14-06-2010)
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