Aimee
[closed] How do you negotiate a difference in opinion with someone who is higher up than you on the corporate hierarchy?
Hello,
I am a business senior, and my major is with management. My interest and overall in completion degree is for administration. I will obtaining it soon, so I would like to ask kindly if anyone could share their experieces with having a difference in opinion about how something should be done in an organization. I strongly feel that those lower and higher in a food chain should be given respect and be listened to, because everyone can learn something from each other.
Thank you,
Aimee #management #buisness
3 answers
Adam Korengold
Adam’s Answer
Hi, Aimee-I think that's a great question and agree with Camron's answer. The trick, especially as a young or more junior person (and remember, unless you are the CEO there is always someone more senior than you) is to avoid being seen as arrogant. So the tactic of asking questions -- rather than making statements -- is also effective.
Also, it's important to be aware of the tone you use when asking questions. Ask them confidently, but in a tone that shows that you are looking for an answer rather than trying to prove a point. Also, be aware of where you are asking them. Particularly if there is a difference of opinion, never ask them in a public place (like a restroom, lunch or conference room), and never in a meeting with other people.
In particular, you should be very careful about saying anything to your manager that could be interpreted as critical -- and never criticize your manager to anyone else.
Doing these things will help you learn what you need to know, while also building relationships with your colleagues.
Good Luck!
Prasad Varahabhatla
Prasad’s Answer
The above responses about a question based approach are accurate. Also one thing that also works is to keep the conversation rational and fact based. If you have data that is contrary to the opinion shared by management use the data to frame your questions.
You may not win an argument with superiors on conjecture or opinions. Like Edward Deming said "Without data you are just another person with an opinion".
Camron Shimy
Camron’s Answer
There are many ways to approach this. One way is to ask questions. I have questioned policy with upper management many times. I have asked things like:
- Why do we do things this way?
- How does the current process address problem xyz?
- Is this something that can be changed?
- What would happen if we did things a different way?
Questions like this can help you learn more about the history of why things are in the current state, but also give you some insight to the hurdles of implementing change.