Date Published October 5, 2020 - Last Updated October 20, 2020
Here’s a guide for how to create a dignified and effective process for examining ideas with those who report to you and with those who manage you.
One of the toughest things an individual can do at work is to challenge another teammate’s ideas or make process improvement recommendations. Even when it’s not meant to be a personal attack, it sure can feel like it to the other person if the conversation is not approached with thoughtfulness and respect. However, it is absolutely possible to challenge ideas and authority while allowing a teammate’s dignity to remain intact. The following are some best practices I’ve come to appreciate over the years when challenging and being challenged by peers, subordinates, and bosses:
What to do when a subordinate challenges a process
First and foremost, say, “Thank you for your feedback.”
One of the most valuable phrases in your box of leadership tools is the ability to show genuine appreciation. If a person who reports to you feels comfortable enough to share their opinion, thank them. It may feel scary for them to tell their boss that they think a process can be improved; it may have been their boss (you) who established the process in the first place, and they won’t want to offend you or hurt your feelings.
Don’t forget to take action. Review the process with your team and attempt to identify improvements that can be made.
How to respond respectfully to a peer who challenges your idea
This may be complicated if you don’t have an established professional relationship with the person.
Begin by asking your peer if you can open a dialogue with them. If they accept, ask open-ended questions to get more details. Then ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the context of their questions and recommendations.
I may decide not to take a recommendation I receive from a teammate or incorporate another person’s ideas into a process, but it’s because I’ve weighed the pros and cons and I’ve chosen what I believe to be the best path based on the information I’ve gathered.
How to gracefully receive feedback from your boss
When I first began working in a professional environment, I did not receive feedback or challenges from authority figures well. When my bosses made recommendations, I had difficulty appreciating that they were making suggestions to help me improve my performance. Having developed confidence in myself and my abilities over the years, I now welcome feedback and questions; they help me be a better version of myself at work and home.
The most important part of being able to accept feedback or challenges from your boss is to begin with assuming the best intentions. They are probably not asking you for clarification or challenging the process because they want to waste your time; they are seeking to understand and trusting you to give them the information they need.
How to successfully challenge your subordinates
Start by separating facts from feelings. Then, ask questions.
The most common examples I’ve experienced in challenging those who report to me are when they disapprove of a process or idea, but have not yet considered alternative solutions. By asking your teammate questions, specifically “why” focused questions, you may be able to uncover where the disconnect between the process and your people lies. Once you discover that, you can work alongside your team to create newer, more innovative solutions.
You may feel you know the answers to these questions, or that these questions are too obvious to ask, but you would be surprised how effective it is to give the other person the chance to lay out the argument and feel heard.
How to challenge your peers
Just as your peers may have important and interesting recommendations for you, you may find yourself in the position to offer a recommendation to a teammate. Be confident and be kind when you share them, be prepared to answer questions, and be willing to give your peer the benefit of the doubt.
How to challenge your supervisors
It’s best to make sure that when you challenge an idea proposed by your boss that you don’t do it in front of a crowd. Your boss may be open to hearing feedback, but it might embarrass them to be challenged in front of others where they are put on the defensive. Clarifying to them that you are seeking to understand feedback can help ensure that your boss gives you their full attention while engaging in the conversation.
Remember, our bosses are human beings and experience the same self-doubt that we’ve all experienced. When we provide feedback to those who influence our growth, we have the opportunity to be a part of their creative process and to help our teammates grow.
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Using the tools above may take practice and a bit of personal work, but by building strong relationships and creating safe spaces for sharing feedback and ideas, we at once empower others and we become powerful.
This article originally appeared on ICMI.
Holly [she/her] is a credit union advocate (and comic book enthusiast); supporting the credit union movement from the contact center at Meritrust Credit Union as the Director of Member Support Services. She has over 20 years of customer service / financial institution experience and has supported the contact center for nearly 8 years. Passion for her people and her contagious positive energy creates a contact center environment where employees are empowered to grow and thrive while bringing to life their passions, both inside the organization and out in the world. When not at work, Holly, along with her husband and kiddo strive to advocate for others, using their voices to stand up against the injustices of those whose voices can't be heard.