How to Respectfully Disagree With a Colleague

Even if you’re mostly on the same page with someone, sooner or later you’re bound to disagree with them on something. If this doesn’t happen often—or you’re navigating the situation for the first time—it can be stressful: after all, no one wants to jeopardize a functional relationship.

While this is true in our personal lives, it is also true in professional settings, as good working relationships with colleagues can be critical. At the same time, agreeing with everything a colleague says, does, or suggests—even if you disagree—is also not an effective strategy (and probably won’t end well).

It’s completely normal—and perfectly normal—to disagree with people at work. Here are some tips on how to do this respectfully.

How to Respectfully Disagree with Colleagues

Disagreeing with a coworker may be a little awkward or tense in the moment, but overall it’s something positive: if everyone agreed on everything, the status quo could persist indefinitely, stifling innovation and progress .

Here are some strategies for dealing with disagreements at work respectfully and productively:

Identify the problem right away

Instead of wasting time ignoring disagreements or not telling your coworker at all that you disagree with them, bring them up as soon as possible. Be prepared to communicate not only the fact that you disagree with your colleague’s proposal or policy, but also the reasons why you disagree. But…

Don’t make it personal

When explaining why you disagree with a colleague, keep the reasons practical, professional and factual, including the potential impact on the organization. Avoid talking about anything personal , such as unhealthy competition with a co-worker, personal attacks, or pursuing your own goals.

Find common ground and goals

So, you’ve identified where you disagree with your colleague and why; now it’s time to figure out what you agree on , especially regarding your overall goals . This will reinforce the idea that you are truly on the same team, and ultimately both will benefit from finding a solution that has broad appeal, even though some compromise will likely have to be made.