Discusses how to constructively and confidently disagree with authority figures.
Contexts include dealing with unrealistic client demands or questionable proposals from senior colleagues.
Risk Assessment
Avoiding Confrontation: Natural tendency to avoid confrontations due to fear of emotional rejection or professional failure.
Reassessing Risks: Evaluate the risk of not saying something. Consider what opportunities might be missed or what could happen later if the issue is not raised.
Deciding to Speak Up: Weigh the risks of speaking up versus staying silent. Consider the potential for vindictive actions or punitive workplace culture.
Timing and Environment
When to Speak Up: Waiting might strengthen your case. Allows time for research and gathering support from colleagues.
Where to Speak Up: Private meetings may be less threatening than public discussions.
Crafting Your Message
Strategic Communication: Not a boxing match but a chess game; be strategic while maintaining integrity.
Establishing a Process: Before disagreements, set a process for voicing differing opinions.
How to Communicate Effectively
Restate Original Idea: Ensures clarity and shows understanding of the original message.
Seek Permission to Disagree: Politely ask to share your reasoning, which can boost confidence and reduce threat.
Connect to Shared Goals: Align your disagreement with shared objectives (e.g., earnings, morale).
Presentation Tips
Stay Calm: Project confidence and neutrality. Use deep breathing and slow, deliberate speech.
Stay Humble: Acknowledge your opinion as personal and invite dialogue.
Stay Neutral: Use facts, avoid adjectives, and focus on the problem, not people.
Be Respectful but Firm: Acknowledge their authority in decision-making while clearly stating your opinion.
Summary
Decision to Speak Up: Consider risks of both speaking and staying silent.
Preparation: Gather support and choose the right time and place.
Message Strategy: Restate, ask permission, and connect to shared goals.
Communication Style: Stay calm, humble, neutral, and respectful.
Closing
Based on HBR articles.
Encourages sharing of personal tactics and suggestions for future topics.