Hallie was honored to be featured in a recent Mic article about how to voice your concerns when you hear a bad idea at work. As a follow up to this article, we wanted to share some additional tips with you.
It is appropriate to speak up about a bad idea when your team is involved in the decision or you are responsible for taking the idea to the management team above you. It could also be the reverse if management suggests an idea that you know would be bad for your team. If you don’t say anything and there is backlash on the company, this could put you into hot water. Here are a few ways you can present your case:
- Thank them for thinking of your team or department and trying to think of new ideas. This keeps the line open for future ideas, especially if it is a co-worker, and if it is your boss lets them know that you appreciate their work. Then try something like, “However, I am not convinced that the idea would transfer well to this project/our department.” Give at least two solid arguments as to why the idea wouldn’t work.
- Don’t overreact. Tell them you are looking to make improvements and focus on the positive. The idea may be terrible, but if your reaction is also terrible, that will make the person less likely to listen to your reasons why the idea is bad for your team or for the company.
