A Healthy Clash of Viewpoints by Marc LeVine
Marc LeVine
Empowering Engineers & Advancing Careers | Talent Acquisition Manager, Blogger, Podcast Guest, Conference Speaker | Hiring those Built to Succeed in Control Systems Engineering for Thermo Systems
“Once asked how we could be friends, given our disagreement on lots of things, Justice Scalia answered: 'I attack ideas. I don't attack people.”― Ruth Bader Ginsburg
It is quite common to disagree with someone about something. We all have our unique perspectives and opinions based on our experiences, beliefs, and values. Naturally, we may not always see eye-to-eye on certain issues or topics, and that's okay. The key is to approach disagreements with respect, empathy, and open-mindedness, and to try to understand where the other person is coming from. Through effective communication and active listening, we can often find common ground and work towards a solution or compromise that benefits everyone involved.
Disagreeing with your boss can be a delicate situation but is sometimes necessary to ensure the best outcome for a project or company.
One possible way of respectfully disagreeing with a boss is to first acknowledge their perspective and opinion, and then calmly present your thoughts and reasoning. For example, you could say something like, "I understand where you're coming from, and I appreciate your expertise on this matter. However, I have a slightly different perspective that I would like to share with you." Then, present your reasoning and any supporting evidence or examples that you have. It's important to remain professional and courteous throughout the conversation and to actively listen to your boss's response and feedback.
A poor example of disagreeing with your boss would be to interrupt them during a meeting, raise your voice, become defensive, or attack their ideas personally. It's important to express your disagreement respectfully and professionally, providing reasons and evidence to support your perspective. Also, it's crucial to listen carefully to their feedback and consider their point of view before responding.
Here are some tips on how to disagree with your boss in a professional manner:
1. Be respectful: It's important to remain respectful and professional when expressing a different opinion. Avoid using confrontational language or speaking in a condescending tone.
2. Present facts: Back up your disagreement with factual evidence or statistics. This can help make your argument more persuasive and less subjective.
3. Offer alternative solutions: Instead of just pointing out the problem, offer alternative solutions that can help address the issue. This shows that you are proactive and invested in finding a solution.
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4. Listen actively: After presenting your opinion, it's important to listen actively to your boss's response. This shows that you value their opinion and are open to feedback.
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Remember, the goal of disagreeing with your boss is not to prove them wrong but to find the best solution for the company or project.
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The Author
Marc LeVine is a graduate of Syracuse (NY) University with a degree in Industrial Psychology, Marc is currently Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He is the recipient of the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.
Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ, Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ, InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge NJ and Plainsboro, NJ and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ, a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his hometown of Freehold Borough, NJ
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11 个月Marc LeVine Absolutely, navigating disagreements with a boss requires finesse. It's crucial to approach such situations with respect and a collaborative mindset. Open communication, coupled with active listening, lays the foundation for a constructive dialogue. While differences may arise, focusing on the common goal—ensuring the project or company's success—can help find mutually beneficial solutions. It's a delicate balance between expressing one's perspective and fostering a collaborative atmosphere for the best possible outcome.