How to disagree with your boss but still support the decision

Short answer: say “I'll go with your call. I want to flag one concern first: the cost.”

DON'T SAY
“You're the boss, so…”
SAY THIS
“I'll go with your call. I want to flag one concern first: the cost.”
You respect the decision while making sure it's an informed one.

When to use it

Use it when your manager is making a call you have concerns about. You make clear you'll follow their decision, and you raise one specific concern so the decision is made with full information. Keep it to the most important concern.

Example

Manager: “We're going with the bigger vendor.”

You: “I'll go with your call. I want to flag one concern first: the cost. It's about double the other quote.”

Manager: “Noted. Let's negotiate.”

In an email or Slack message

In writing: “I'm on board with your decision. One concern to flag before we sign: cost is roughly double the other quote. Worth one round of negotiation?”

Quick drill

When you see a real problem in a plan but don't want to shut the conversation down.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

Free PDF guide

25 phrases that make you sound confident at work

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