Most bosses mean well, but on occasion they have incredibly stupid ideas. Suppose you are in big staff meeting and the boss says, “I am thinking about changing all employees from a one-hour lunch to a half-hour. The company can save $90,000 a year.” His idea is a loser. Declines in employee morale would be catastrophic, and the cost savings are just not worth it.

Should you express an opinion contrary to the boss? Or keep quiet and witness Armageddon around the office? The following are the likely consequences depending on your response.

• Your Response: Silence
  Likely Result: No short-term consequences
  Price to Pay: Are you a fixture or management material?

• Your Response: With all due respect to your opinion…
  Likely Result: You rob boss the wrong way
  Price to Pay: Boss might not respect someone who rambles

• Your Response: Have you considered…? What would happen if?
  Likely Result: You score pints on style
  Price to Pay: None – boss knows you are diplomatic

• Your Response: Here’s how I see it: The pros are… The cons are…
  Likely Result: You gain nothing – you have not revealed where you stand and you look gutless
  Price to Pay: Boss may think you are a wimp

Tags: Armageddon, boss, diplomatic, employees, management, response, staff meeting, wimp