What do you do if your boss disagrees with your approach in an E-Learning job?

1 Listen First

When your boss disagrees with your e-learning approach, the first step is to actively listen to their concerns. This means giving them your full attention, refraining from interrupting, and asking clarifying questions. By truly understanding their perspective, you may find that they have valid points that could improve your strategy. Additionally, demonstrating that you value their input can foster a more collaborative atmosphere and may lead to a compromise that satisfies both parties. Remember, the goal is to achieve the best outcome for the e-learning program, and that might mean incorporating feedback you hadn't initially considered.

2 Assess Critique

After listening to your boss's perspective, take some time to objectively assess their critique. Consider the potential impact their suggestions could have on the e-learning program's effectiveness and learner engagement. It's important to separate your emotional response from the professional implications of the feedback. If their points are well-founded, it may be beneficial to revise your approach. On the other hand, if you believe their critique does not align with best practices in e-learning, prepare a reasoned argument supported by your expertise and experience in the field.

3 Propose Solutions

Once you've evaluated your boss's feedback, propose solutions that integrate their concerns while maintaining the integrity of your e-learning approach. This might involve adjusting certain aspects of your strategy or presenting alternative ideas that still achieve the desired learning outcomes. When proposing solutions, be clear about how each suggestion addresses the points raised by your boss and how it will benefit the e-learning project. Effective communication is key here; ensuring that your boss understands how your proposals will lead to a successful e-learning experience is critical.

4 Seek Consensus

Finding common ground is essential when you and your boss have differing views on an e-learning project. Work towards a consensus by focusing on shared objectives and highlighting how your approach aligns with the organization's goals. It may be helpful to suggest a pilot or phased implementation of your strategy to demonstrate its efficacy while allowing for adjustments based on feedback. Remember, a consensus doesn't mean that one side completely concedes; it's about reaching an agreement that both of you can support moving forward.

5 Document Changes

If changes are made to your original e-learning approach, ensure that they are thoroughly documented. This includes detailing any compromises made and the rationale behind them. Documentation not only provides a reference for the current project but also serves as a valuable resource for future e-learning initiatives. It can help trace the evolution of your strategy and justify decisions made during the development process. Good record-keeping can also protect you professionally by showing that you were responsive to feedback and actively engaged in seeking the best possible outcomes for the e-learning program.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?