I have been working with Indian, Western, European and Asian companies for more than a decade and one thing is very common irrespective of geographies and culture – The right to accept or reject.

This brings me to the fact that in these rejections, Disagreements are common in any workplace, especially when you’re working with people from different backgrounds. While it’s not a big deal to have a different opinion from a colleague, things can get tricky when the person you disagree with is your boss.

There are times when you might not agree with someone who’s higher up. For example, your boss may want to try a new project strategy, but your analysis shows it might not work. Or maybe you’ve received performance feedback that doesn’t seem to match your actual efforts. So how do you handle these situations without making things awkward?

The key is to express your thoughts in a way that doesn’t cause tension. Here’s a tip: avoid saying “You’re wrong” at any point in the conversation. Employers generally respect people who have their own views and don’t just follow orders blindly. But how you present your opinion matters, especially when you’re disagreeing with someone more senior.

Here are a few ways I’ve learned to disagree with my boss respectfully:

1. Pick the Right Time and Place (Yeh bahot important hai)

First, think about when and where to speak up. Bringing up your disagreement during a team meeting or in front of other seniors could make you seem like you’re challenging their authority. It’s better to approach your boss privately for a one-on-one chat.

Also, if you see your boss is stressed or dealing with something urgent, it’s probably not the best time to talk. Wait until they seem more relaxed and ready for a conversation.

2. Gather Your Facts (wo boss hai, yaad rakhna)

Make sure you have all the information before you speak. Going in with half-baked ideas or without solid evidence will likely get your point dismissed. If you believe their approach might not work, explain why clearly, and back it up with data or facts. This shows you’ve done your homework and are thinking about what’s best for the project or company.

3. Keep Emotions in Check (Senti marneka nahi)

It’s important to stay calm and not let your emotions take over. If you start to get angry or frustrated, what could’ve been a healthy conversation can quickly turn into a conflict. Keep in mind that your boss is not your opponent, and you don’t need to “win” the argument.

Present your views in a calm, respectful way. If there’s been tension between you and your boss in the past, don’t let that color your current discussion. Staying positive and neutral is key.

4. Listen to Their Side (Kam baat, jyada sunna)

While it’s important to share your thoughts, it’s just as crucial to listen to your boss’s perspective. Doing this helps in two ways: you’ll better understand why they want to go in a certain direction, and it shows that you respect their opinion. In the end, both of you want the same thing – success for the company.

5. Know When to Accept the Final Decision (jo bhi ho, bolo all is well)

Your goal is to help your boss see your point of view. But, once they make a final decision, it’s important to accept and respect it. Pushing your disagreement further could damage your relationship with them, which isn’t worth it.

Choose your battles wisely and know when it’s time to step back. Even if you don’t get your way, it’s good to end the conversation on a positive note by thanking them for being open to discussing your concerns.

By using these strategies, I’ve learned how to express my thoughts without damaging relationships or burning bridges.

If you would like to share your experience in this context, do not hesitate to contact me 🙂