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Often comes a situation when your boss creates an awkward situation while saying a work which may be unethical or non-professional. Since most of us says "boss is always right", a polite explanation or a straight forward answer might saves you.
"Boss is always right’ – a golden word is commonly practiced in all the arenas, like in private / public sectors. Usually saying directly ‘NO’ to Boss on a particular decision/ issue sometimes creates an awkward situation which may be unethical or non-professional. In view of above, it is a critical situation for an individual to handle it or come out from the ‘BOX’. Following may be some ways/ means to avoid any such awkward position further( may not be the solution):
1. Put up your logic/argument in favor to justify where you disagree with the decision of your boss.
2. Bring out the positive / negative aspects on a particular case and try to convince the boss regarding future likely outcomes.
3. Provide alternative solutions which may be accepted by the boss for reframing his previous decision.
4. Weigh out the reality and justification to support your argument.
5. Above all, have patient and ask to your conscious.
6. Remember; never divulge youself in any unethical act because it is your strength and morale courage to win in life.
"Boss is always right", It's not that they're bad people; it's just that bosses have their own inboxes to tackle and can be too distracted to take an accurate measure of yours. And it's safe to say there's more than enough work to go around most offices. Before you say no: Give yourself some time to think about the request before immediately saying no. Prepare your answer before telling your boss no. Choose the right time and place to speak with your boss. Pay your boss a compliment while denying her request. Tell your boss why you have to say no to the request. Offer an alternative solution. Try a compromise.
Stay calm and speak with an even tone when telling your boss no. Approaching your boss with your temper flaring is never a good idea. Do not turn the conversation into a gripe session, providing your boss with a laundry list of all the things you already do. If your boss asks you to do something that is illegal, you have every right to say no.
In any relation you must set the rules and show your true colors ! ..dont push yourself to do what you hate because this always back fires !
I think the best way is being straight forward ,clear and gracious like saying : that’s wonderful idea but not really my strong point to take on ..or thanks for the offer but I refuse since its against my mottos …
I find the direct approach always the best !
Always try to avoid such situation where you are in front of your supervisor but if so, there is no harm talk to him take him in a confidence and then say so in a very positive way.
Saying No directly ouch that's not an option I guess except if you are on a really really good terms with him/her.
I have learned smith in the international etiquette. If I don't agree with someone then I can rephrase his own words in either a way that shows that am not convinced or in a way that expresses my own idea/ opinion.
The personality of your manager is the only thing that can decide what way you will use. You can say it in a funny way, suggest smith (if you are disagreeing with him on a certain decision at work), you can just say "what about doing...." "Let’s try...."
In my opinion try to avoid saying no directly because that will make a bad influence and can turn him/her on you.
Just as there are many ways to skin a cat, according to the old saying, there are an equal number of ways in which to say no. When it’s your boss you want to say it to, it’s a little trickier, but that doesn’t mean you have to bite your tongue and take whatever he (or she!) dishes out for fear of losing your job or doing harm to your career. Finding a method of moderating your refusal can help to make your pronouncement a little gentler, and combining it with a logical reason and options may make it easier to accept.
Evaluate Your Reason
The tactics you use to say no to a request or instruction from your boss depends on the request itself, and your reasons for not wanting to do it. Evaluate the validity of your reason by comparing it to the request. Does the request infringe on your rights as a person, your religious or cultural beliefs or traditions, or is it simply something you don’t like doing? If it’s the latter, decide whether the request is a legitimate one in terms of your work, in which case you will need to use different tactics than you would for something that is not covered in the job description.
Wear His or Her Shoes
Put yourself in your boss’s shoes and consider how the company will be affected if you refuse the request. For example, you will need a much stronger argument if your refusal is likely to result in financial losses, as opposed to simply rescheduling a meeting. If you want to say no to a request to travel to a meeting with10 other people, which results in the company footing the bill for the other participants to travel instead, realizing that your boss will have to cover the costs will enable you to present a stronger argument.
Start Early
If you know in advance that you are unable to carry out a request, don’t wait until the last minute to inform your boss that you must say no. By that point, it may be impossible for him to use an alternative method of getting the job done. Schedule a formal conversation at the very earliest opportunity, in which you present him with your understanding of his situation, your reasons for declining, and the alternative options you’ve considered for achieving the same result.
Be Rational
Never approach your boss with a refusal unless you are fully in control of your emotions. If his demand has upset you, wait until you calm down and have sifted through the evaluation of your reason, the impact on the boss or company, and the alternatives. Think ahead to the objections he could raise and how you will respond to them. Remain objective by making it about the company, not about yourself personally. For example, a company that does not permit employees to wear traditional headscarves may be convinced if you can show how diversity among the staff can benefit the firm and attract new customers.
Be Honest – Sometimes!
Chances are your boss will find out down the line if you use an imaginary excuse to get out of carrying out the request, and this will result in a loss of trust and harm your career. Be upfront about your (carefully evaluated!) reason to say no, and he will be more likely to understand and acknowledge your point of view. If your reason for refusing is that your angry ex-husband is likely to follow you to a business meeting and disrupt it, however, you might want to decide ahead of time just how much detail to divulge.
Choose Your Words
Never start a conversation with words that mean “no.” Open with a statement telling the boss that your first concern is the company’s best interests. Explain why it’s not possible, feasible or practical for you to fulfill his request, and give honest, logical and realistic reasons why this is the case. Remind him halfway that you want to see him succeed, and follow up with proposed alternatives for getting the task done. Assure him that you have evaluated the impact of the proposed changes, and rationalize any major effects that concern him.
Offer Options
If you are unable or unwilling to carry out a request, providing alternative options is a great way to convince your boss that your refusal does not mean the task will not be accomplished. Perhaps the request can be postponed, delegated to someone else, or substituted by another option? Presenting the possibilities at the time you say no will prove to him that you have the company’s best interests at heart, and that your refusal is not based on a desire to do harm. He may even learn to trust your judgment and accept future refusals readily.
Say the word no is not difficult if you have logical reasons
In professional life, we must learn the art of saying “No” to colleagues, friends and yes sometime to boss also but saying NO directly to boss is unprofessional and presents the subordinate as stubborn or non-interested in work. I do agree that sometime we need to communicate our concern and this could be done via;
1 – Talking in person with boss over the matter where you feel uncomfortable or having reservation in doing it.
2 – Never argue with boss or manager, let them present the fact of doing such heavy or un-intersted task where you feel energy and resource will be in vain.
3 – Give them alternate solution, please do the home-work, I always suggest to new hires that don’t bring the problem to your boss, bring it with solution as this add value in his eyes.
4 – Do solid review that may be on seniority and much experience then us, may be his suggestion weigh in context of organization?
5 – Still, he ask to do so then do it, maybe there is blessing or learning for us or once you’ll start it and based on time consumption. He’ll realize it and ask you to abort it.
Above all, if this seems continue and regular feature then it is advisable to change your boss ASAP J
a boss is usually looking for obediant employees that will do what is required,but bosses always tend to admire employees with different qualities than him or her,they see them as an extension to their image.
you havn't said no but you ended up doing it your own way.
its a win win situation.
try it and please send me your feed back.
Let's support "Boss is always right" but still human, who makes mistakes. Use strong arguments! But at the same time agree with his point of view
Don't Say no.. say I'll be on it or I gonna make it..
