What do you do if your boss disagrees with you while maintaining professionalism and respect?

Active listening is a very important tool here to understand your boss's perspective and try to understand their reasoning. Acknowledging their points and asking clarifying questions if needed comes next. Someone senior in the hierarchy certainly has some more facts check comparatively. If your boss ultimately makes a decision that differs from your viewpoint, accept it gracefully. Show your willingness to support and execute the decision to the best of your abilities. Sometimes, differing opinions can lead to better outcomes through diverse perspectives.

I know it's difficult to do, but SLOW DOWN & think positive about the disagreement. Choose a response based on the context of the disagreement instead of negatively reacting. Listen for understanding the perspective of your boss because you might not have the whole picture like they do. In my book, 3xP Leadership?: The BlackPrint of Leadership coming this Fall 2024, I explain in detail how to handle disagreements and conflicts to improve your leadership. The main tip I can give you is to reduce the destructive behaviors that happen during disagreements & that's having fight or flight. Instead ask yourself what is the intent of the disagreement? Could you be wrong because of limited information? Have more competence in the disagreement.

It's crucial to navigate disagreements with bosses tactfully. Firstly, listen attentively to understand their perspective fully. Then, express your viewpoint calmly, providing clear reasoning and supporting evidence. Avoid becoming defensive or confrontational. Instead, focus on finding common ground and potential solutions that align with both perspectives. Ultimately, maintaining professionalism and respect is key, even in moments of disagreement. It demonstrates maturity and strengthens professional relationships.

I think with emotional maturity we can maintain our composure and still be able to respectfully express the emotions we feel around the disagreement. Perhaps we are feeling surprised, confused, overwhelmed. These are all valid sentiments that can flow through us and be acknowledged. After all, we are as Antonio Damasio so aptly put it ??emotional beings who think?.? The more articulate we can become about expressing our own feelings supports us in being able to be our true self - adding a deeper human dimension to being professional.

Lorsque votre boss n'est pas d'accord avec vous et décide de choisir sa solution, il est souvent pertinent de recourir à ce que l'on appelle la "solution augmentée". Il s'agit de proposer à votre patron une nouvelle option, issue de la solution retenue par votre boss, à laquelle vous apportez un élément original, impactant et décisif. Pour cela, il convient de faire table rase de votre idée initiale, de vous mettre dans les chaussures de votre n+1 et de pousser plus loin sa solution en faisant appel à votre expertise et à votre imagination. Si vous réussissez dans cette démarche, vous marquez de précieux points auprès de lui.