What do you do if your boss and you have conflicting opinions on a project?

I find that listening and trying to really understand all the different perspectives can be very helpful. #BillionStrong #WeAreBillionStrong.

Values are a very useful bridge when there is a difference of opinion. What are the organisational values you are both committed to? Which values can you see in the project? What is it about the project that motivates you and makes you want to do a great job? Which values can guide you towards a solution? Talking honestly and respectfully at a deeper, values based level can shift a discussion that has become 'stuck'. It gets both parties to a place where they are more willing to compromise.

Understand Their Perspective: First, try to fully understand your boss's point of view. Prepare Your Points: Before discussing your differing views, prepare your arguments. Request a Meeting: Arrange a private meeting to discuss the project rather than emails or messages. Communicate Clearly and Respectfully: Use "I" statements to express your thoughts, like "I think that…" Listen Actively: Listen carefully to your boss’s responses. Seek Compromise: Be open to finding a middle ground. Maybe there's a way to incorporate both of your ideas into the project. Follow Up: After the meeting, send a brief email summarizing your discussion and any agreements you reached.

Listening fully is KEY! It is easy to remain glued to our own perspectives because we have created or adopted them and hold them tightly. When someone challenges our perspectives, we tend to take that challenge as a personal indictment. When we remember to always assume best intention, we can listen soberly and understand their differing viewpoint is not an attack; rather, it’s truly just their opinion.

I find that listening and trying to really understand all the different perspectives can be very helpful. #BillionStrong #WeAreBillionStrong.

In instances where the boss is self-obsessed or egotistical, refrain from arguing at all costs. Ensure you fully understand their point of view and where they are coming from. Also, note down which points they object to most and try to understand why. If you had already prepared your presentation with clear evidence, go back to the drawing board. Make amends and integrate some of the boss's points - the ones's that make sense (do your research and get evidence.) Marry these points into your presentation. Eliminate the points they objected to most or find a way around them. Get feedback from a colleague(s) who is directly involved. Make the presentation and let it appear as though all these points are the boss's idea.

Establish an informed common ground - (listen to your boss's point of view, generate quantifiable/measurable evidence and avoid confrontation) this allows perspectives from both parties to feature. As a litmus, evaluate the perspectives from both parties to establish which of the two yields better results for consideration and adoption.

If your point is taken, great. If we find a mutual compromise, equally great. If it is not accepted then as well it is amazing as long as you don't take a step back based on past experience. Just because it was not accepted before, it won't be accepted now. People who work closely with the community will always give a perspective that differs from a bird's eye view. Yet, it's important to express, taking into consideration, the opportunity cost will be on the community irrespective of outcomes. Titration of ideas is important at the beginning before wanting good concentration of it in an organisation's perspective. So begin with the small magnitude of your intent. Preference is not an individual's right. So, Keep your heart healthy.