LISTEN TO EPISODE 69

SCOTT DOW:

"You're going to have disagreements with your boss. People that work for you aren't always going to agree with you, and you're not always going to agree with your boss. Every relationship has disagreements, and healthy relationships have healthy disagreements. Healthy disagreements are honest, non-emotional, non-judgmental and well-intended. So when you disagree with your boss, assume positive intent, don't judge, be honest, and don't get emotional.

Most disagreements have to do with decisions. You don't like their decision and you think they're making a mistake. Chances are, you're going to have to live with that mistake, and it's going to impact your team. That's why it's easy to get frustrated; but frustration and anger aren't going to help you make your case.

If you respond emotionally, they'll respond defensively. But if you seek to understand their decision, most decision makers will share the rationale. You may not agree with the rationale, but now you can share your rationale. It's not an emotional disagreement - it's a rational exchange of opinions.

You may not like the outcome, but they're the boss, and it's their call. When you're having a disagreement with your boss, act like you'd want your employee - any of your employees - to act when they're disagreeing with you. You'd want them to be respectful of your authority, hear you out, give honest feedback, and do everything within their power to make your decision work. A disagreement is just a difference of opinion. Remember, a healthy disagreement is honest, non-emotional, non-judgmental and well-intended.

That's the style you need to adopt. And if you do, that will become your reputation. Your boss won't dread your disagreements. They'll welcome your disagreements. Again, put yourself in their shoes. You'd welcome well-intended, honest, non-emotional pushback.

Chances are, they will too."

Outro

Thanks for listening. You can email us at info@MentalNotes.com. Feel free to share with your colleagues and followed on all major podcast platforms.