What would you say to your boss if he’s crazy about an idea, but you think it stinks?


TRAPS:  This is another question that pits two values, in this case loyalty and honesty, against one another.

BEST ANSWER:    Remember the rule stated earlier:  In any conflict between values, always choose integrity.

Example:  I believe that when evaluating anything, it’s important to emphasize the positive.  What do I like about this idea?”

“Then, if you have reservations, I certainly want to point them out, as specifically, objectively and factually as I can.”

“After all, the most important thing I owe my boss is honesty.  If he can’t count on me for that, then everything else I may do or say could be questionable in his eyes.”

“But I also want to express my thoughts in a constructive way.  So my goal in this case would be to see if my boss and I could make his idea even stronger and more appealing, so that it effectively overcomes any initial reservation I or others may have about it.”

“Of course, if he overrules me and says, ‘no, let’s do it my way,’ then I owe him my full and enthusiastic support to make it work as best it can.”

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