How I Approach a Work Disagreement

Published: 2026-04-07

Frequently in work I’ll find myself in situations where I disagree with a decision that is being made.

Over the years I’ve come to realise that no matter how hard you try or how right you feel, you’re not going to win. People don’t tend to change their minds (myself included).

If people continue to try and change each other’s minds you end up with meetings that just go round in circles.

So now in these situations, my aims are simple:

• Make sure they understand what your concerns are.
• Make sure they understand your solution (assuming you have one).

Often getting them to fully understand your concerns is half the battle. If after that they’re still not willing to change their mind, I don’t think anything is going to change and you might as well move on.

The flip side to this of course is to try and make sure you understand theirs. Maybe you’re missing something?