How to Disagree with Your Boss

When was the last time you disagreed with your boss? Did you tell them you had a different opinion — or did you just let it go?

HBR contributing editor Amy Gallo says it’s much easier to just agree with your boss. But sometimes it’s important to speak up. In this episode, you’ll learn how to weigh the risk of a negative reaction against the risk of not voicing your opinion: What could happen later if you don’t raise this issue now? What do you stand to lose? What opportunities could you or your team be missing out on?

You’ll also learn best practices to keep in mind if you do decide to say something — like avoiding certain judgment words and first asking permission, instead of offering an unsolicited opinion.

Gallo is an expert in workplace conflict and communication. She also cohosts HBR’s Women at Work podcast, and her most recent book is Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People).

Key episode topics include: leadership, difficult conversations, managing conflicts, managing up, interpersonal communication.

HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.

• Watch the original HBR Guide episode: How to Disagree with Someone More Powerful: The Harvard Business Review Guide (2021).
• Find more episodes of the HBR Guide series on YouTube.
• Discover 100 years of Harvard Business Review articles, case studies, podcasts, and more at HBR.org.