You are at a weekly staff meeting, and have just presented a brilliant plan to help boost productivity – and save money – in your organization. You worked hard on this, and are convinced it’s a solid proposal. But then your boss dismisses the idea, without really giving you a reason, or maybe just a vague one. Now what?
There are several things you can do other than go back to your desk and be angry for the rest of the day. The most important one is to understand that disagreeing with your boss is OK. What’s not OK is to respond in a way that can jeopardize your relationship with him or her, or even your job.
Here are 5 things you should take into account when you find yourself having a conflict with your boss:
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1. Authority wins
Understand that authority always wins. Your boss has the final say. Don’t voice your opinion in front of others or fire off a heated email. Instead…
2. Have a private conversation with your boss
You can respectfully disagree with him or her without damaging the relationship. Set aside time to share your thoughts and ideas and ask why your idea was rejected. If you don’t understand the feedback your boss gives you, ask for a clarification. Keep the conversation focused on the topic at hand, and don’t make your disagreement personal.
3. Assess the root of the conflict
Many disagreements or conflicts are the result of bad communication and understanding. Is this one of those situations? The way you respond to conflict might even lead your boss to reconsider his or her decision later on, or even ask for your input on another subject.
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4. Accept your boss’ decision and be a team player
If, at the end of the day, your boss chooses not to go with your ideas, it is time to set aside your differences and become a team player. This doesn’t mean you have to toss your convictions out the window, but you should rally behind your boss to show team spirit.
5. Evaluate your current job
If all of the above fails, or if the decision you disagree on goes against your values or beliefs, then it is time to evaluate what you are doing in that job. Do you see yourself growing professionally? Do you find your ideas and proposals keep getting dismissed unfairly? Well, this might be a good time to consider another job.
