Check, check, check this. This is Marty's Minute Audio Podcast. Whoa! I've never been in a situation where you did not agree with the decision made by someone above you?
If you have, raise your hand. Okay, now you can put them down. We've all been in this situation, and if you haven't, are you sure you live on this planet? What are the toughest things we face each and every day?
It's how do we challenge a decision we do not agree with? How do we challenge it without getting in trouble or appearing to not be a team player? Well first, don't be afraid. Challenging up is a form of leadership.
It shows that you care and that you want to be invested in the solution. However, the key is to challenge the process without challenging the person. Challenging one personally always puts people in the defensive position and creates obstacles instead of a mutually beneficial conversation. If we start a conversation with, wow, this is dumb or whoever came up with this solution, we will never get taken seriously and will create a barrier between the owner of the decision and getting something changed.
What if you started the conversation with, I've been thinking about this decision and, or something like, what if we, the key is respect? You cannot be heard if you don't love or respect the person you're working with. If you start off on the offensive, then you will be better expect to get some defense coming your way. The harder you try to attack, the more vulnerable you will be.
Challenging up is a tough thing to do. All kinds of personalities and dynamics can be involved. However, if you focus on the process and offer solutions, you will have a much better chance of getting the outcome you wanted. Until next time, I'm Marty.
Make sure you get me in the end.