When I began my career in the field of communications, with several fewer years and wrinkles, I felt that what my bosses said was always right or the most sensible. And I had this impression either because of the authority they wielded over the team, the gray hairs on their heads, their years of work experience, or a combination of it all. And though sometimes I felt that their decisions weren’t the most suitable, or I thought there were more efficient and impactful ways than what they proposed, it was very difficult for me to express an opinion that disagreed with theirs or to offer an alternative. However, once the decision was implemented, and we discussed as a team what could be improved or changed, my bosses would tell me that those ideas or opinions I had thought of but hadn’t expressed at the time could have enhanced the results or the execution of the work.

Over the years, now as a manager overseeing fairly large multidisciplinary teams, there isn’t a decision I make or direction I provide without pausing and seeking my team’s input. I do it because these discrepancies and different viewpoints only enrich the discussion in decision-making and strengthen the foundations of a decision. Of course, not all managers seek opinions in public, nor are they all immediately open to evaluating different positions. It depends a lot on each manager’s leadership style, the type of decision being made, and the context in which it is made. For example, if we’re in a crisis stage and need to make emergency decisions or deal with confidential information, there isn’t much to consult or opinions to seek. But those are the exceptions to what should be the rule.

What I can assure you, regardless of the nature of the work we do, in any field, any manager who wants to excel and make an impact in their company will always be willing to listen to opinions different from their own. Here are five tips for you to disagree with your boss and not ‘die’ in the attempt:

1. Choose the right time and place. Someone once told me, ‘Celebrate and praise in public, criticize and disagree privately.’ Perhaps it’s one of the best pieces of advice I’ve received in my career and it works perfectly when it comes to disagreeing with my superiors. No matter how intense your opinion is or how great your disagreement, always think about when and where to communicate it to your bosses. Ideally, approach your boss, schedule a meeting, and have a private conversation. Something very important: before you start, ask if your boss would like to hear a different point of view.
2. Emphasize the points you agree on. It’s important to emphasize that your viewpoint comes from the same interest and desire to achieve impactful results or find the best solution or make the right decision. Don’t make this disagreement a personal matter; it’s not about who wins or who knows more, regardless of their position of authority. That’s not the right focus. Instead, focus on the overall objective (or what’s called the big picture, in management terms: don’t focus on the tree but on the forest). The key here is to show respect for the opinions and arguments your bosses have presented.
3. Prepare yourself. I find it very productive to put my ideas in order on paper (or on the phone). This writing exercise is very useful for helping me identify weaknesses in my logic and strengthen my suggestions. Part of this process of organizing my thoughts is having several questions for my bosses and not assuming or taking information for granted. Why is this important? Because managers have information that can’t always be shared, and that data plays a crucial role in decision-making. So, the best way to be prepared is to ask if there are other factors at play that you’re not aware of that will have a decisive role in the decision. To make this a productive and enriching encounter, you have to practice active listening and ask as many questions as you provide opinions.
4. Provide an alternative or solution. During the conversation, adjust or strengthen your proposals and offer alternative solutions that are feasible, they should be shaped by the information you receive from your bosses and the tone of the discussion. The alternative you present should consider how the established objectives will be achieved equally or even better that the original proposal and benefit the company or organization. Depending on your time in the job, present alternatives that have worked in similar situations. The institutional history that each employee brings is highly valued. It should always be used judiciously!
5. Offer to help with implementation. Remember that the final decision will always be made by the bosses. Regardless of the final outcome, whether your idea or opinion was accepted or not, it’s important that your bosses see you as an employee who is committed to the organization and the work, who respects the decisions made, and who will contribute to the execution of the decision. And once the meeting is concluded, don’t reopen this conversation with your bosses or the team unless the context has changed.

I hope these tips help you gain more confidence in presenting and substantiating a disagreement with your bosses. Remember that it’s very important to provide your opinions in a timely, eloquent, and robust manner. That way, you’ll earn the respect not only of your supervisors but also of your team. Good luck and keep growing and developing!