This guidance recommends the professional approach to supporting choices you didn't champion.

This isn't a long cast, but it's an important one. It's important enough that it probably ought to be in the Career Tools feed as well. We have it here, in Manager Tools, though, because of the importance of this lesson in professionalism for managers. But please, if you're a smart manager, share this with your team of individual contributors. Help THEM understand it before they make a classic rookie mistake someday.

Here's the situation that teaches us this lesson in professionalism. You're in a meeting with your boss, and you've made your case for some new idea. It might be a change in budget, it might be time of your directs spent on something new, or stopping work on something you think is going nowhere. Or, your opinion wasn't even asked for, but the bottom line is you disagree with the decision that has been made. Your boss overruled you, the decision was made at higher levels and even your boss had no input. Or, you made your case and you lost.

What's the professional response? How do you act/react to having your idea overruled or having to enact a decision you disagree with?

This Cast Answers These Questions

  • What does 'murdering the unchosen alternative mean'?
  • Why do I have to support my boss's decisions?
  • Are there ever any exceptions?

Other Parts of This Series

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