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Highly successful people use 5 phrases to disagree with their bosses: You’ll ‘earn their respect and trust,’ says expert
"The most successful communicators can tactfully disagree with senior leaders without hurting their own reputation," says executive coach Melody Wilding.
TL;DR
- Directly telling a powerful person they are wrong is confrontational and counterproductive.
- Diplomatic disagreement can earn respect and trust from leaders.
- Start by finding common ground before presenting a counterpoint.
- Frame your input as adding nuance or a different perspective, not as a correction.
- Focus on the approach or plan rather than criticizing the person's thinking.
- Highlight missing information gently, assuming good faith and treating it as an oversight.
- Ask questions that encourage leaders to mentally rehearse an alternative idea, making it more likely to be considered.