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Four Steps To Take If You Disagree With Your Company’s Strategic Direction
By Benjamin Laker | Forbes Magazine | June 19, 2024
Extractive Summary of the Article | Read | Listen
Disagreeing with the strategic direction of your company can be a challenging and uncomfortable position to be in. It often feels daunting to question decisions made by higher management, especially when those decisions are based on extensive analysis and a broader vision for the firm’s future.
You may worry about potential backlash, being perceived as a troublemaker, or even jeopardizing your career prospects. However, it’s important to remember that constructive dissent can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. When approached thoughtfully and respectfully, voicing your concerns can lead to meaningful discussions, improved strategies, and a more inclusive decision-making process.
By addressing your concerns constructively, you not only contribute to the betterment of the organization but also demonstrate your commitment to its success and long-term goals. So, here are four steps to take if you find yourself at odds with your organization’s strategic direction.
- Understand the Rationale. Before taking any action, it’s crucial to fully understand the rationale behind the strategic direction. Take the time to gather all available information regarding the strategy. This includes reading internal communications, attending meetings, and discussing with colleagues who might have more insight. If possible, review any presentations or documents that explain the strategy in detail, and take notes on key points and assumptions. Approaching the situation with a mindset of understanding rather than immediate opposition can provide you with the necessary context to evaluate the strategy more fairly.
- Collect Evidence and Constructive Feedback. The next step is to collect evidence and formulate constructive feedback. If you disagree with certain aspects of the strategy, gather data and examples that support your perspective. This could include market research, performance metrics, or case studies from similar companies. Constructive feedback should not only highlight the issues but also propose viable alternatives or improvements.
- Communicate Your Concerns Professionally. Schedule a meeting with your manager or relevant leadership to discuss your viewpoints. Choose an appropriate time and setting where you can have a focused and uninterrupted conversation. Before the meeting, organize your thoughts and prepare an outline of the key points you want to discuss, ensuring you stay on topic and make your case clearly. During the meeting, present your concerns clearly and respectfully. It’s important to remain calm and open to dialogue, showing that your goal is to contribute positively to the organization’s success. Be prepared to listen to the responses and engage in a constructive discussion, rather than simply presenting your point of view.
- Be Prepared for Different Outcomes. After communicating your concerns, be prepared for different outcomes. Leadership might agree with your perspective and consider making changes to the strategy. Alternatively, they might provide additional context that clarifies their decision, or they might choose to proceed with the current plan despite your feedback. Understanding that not all suggestions will be implemented is important for maintaining a professional attitude. Regardless of the outcome, maintain a professional attitude.
3 key takeaways from the article
- Disagreeing with the strategic direction of your company can be a challenging and uncomfortable position to be in. It often feels daunting to question decisions made by higher management, especially when those decisions are based on extensive analysis and a broader vision for the firm’s future.
- You may worry about potential backlash, being perceived as a troublemaker, or even jeopardizing your career prospects. However, it’s important to remember that constructive dissent can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. When approached thoughtfully and respectfully, voicing your concerns can lead to meaningful discussions, improved strategies, and a more inclusive decision-making process.
- By addressing your concerns constructively, you not only contribute to the betterment of the organization but also demonstrate your commitment to its success and long-term goals. So, here are four steps to take if you find yourself at odds with your organization’s strategic direction: understand the rationale, collect evidence and constructive feedback, communicate your concerns professionally, and be prepared for different outcomes.
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Topics: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Decision-making