How to Disagree (without saying ‘I disagree’)
There are times to be explicit, and times not to.
Back in 2018, Harvard Business Review published an article entitled: Why We Should Be Disagreeing More at Work. In it, they outlined the value of disagreement, and all the reasons why it is important to disagree in professional contexts, including:
Disagreement produces better work outcomes
Disagreement provides opportunities to learn and grow
Healthy conflict actually fosters improved relationships
Work environments where healthy debate is normalised, have higher rates of job satisfaction and inclusion.
The articles also goes on to highlight some important things to remember, if you are going to start disagreeing more that will help keep you on track:
Let go of needing to be liked
Focus on the big picture and the business needs.
Don’t equate disagreement with unkindness
Find a role model and emulate them.
The article is definitely one worth reading if you would like delve deeper into this topic. For us, as language and communication support specialists, today, our focus is on equipping you linguistically to disagree. Our clients often say that they are fearful of disagreeing in a second language, as their message can be perceived as more harsh than they intend. They are often afraid of not having the nuance to disagree when speaking English.
With this concern in mind, here are ten ways to disagree implicitly:
1. I can’t agree.
2. I beg to differ.
3. I think we may have to agree to disagree.
4. I’m not quite convinced.
5. We don’t see eye to eye on this / that point / this issue.
6. I have to take issue with you on…
7. We’re not on the same page.
8. It seems we’re not on the same wavelength.
9. I fail to see you point.
10. I’m afraid that argument does not stand up to analysis.
Which one appeals most to you? Which one do you commit to adopting today? Remember, the sooner you use them, the quicker they will become part of your language repertoire.