How To Point Out A Mistake To Your Boss?

Being a responsible employee of a commercially large enterprise does not just mean minding your job and seeing your tasks to completion on time, but also having excellent articulation skills. Such skills are what help you during difficult situations such as when you need to tell your boss that he (let us assume your boss is a man) is wrong. Read ahead to find how you can handle such a situation with ease.

1. Do the groundwork

Before you come to a conclusion that your boss has indeed committed a mistake, ensure that you double check, actually, triple check the whole issue. Bosses are very sensitive to criticism and you do not want to strike a wrong chord there. Gather all the information and facts that can support your accusation.

2. Talk in privacy

Never criticize your boss in front of anyone else. You will only damage his ego and succeed in flaring his temper. It is absolutely necessary to make sure that you talk to him in the privacy of his cabin or a conference room. Ensure you pick up a time when you know your boss will not be in a hurry or amidst urgent meetings.

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3. Highlight the positives

No matter how lame it sounds, you need to praise your boss a little before bringing him down. You need to tell him about his excellent leadership qualities, insightful thinking and practical approach to problems. Such an initial talk softens your boss a little bit and proves to him that you appreciate his positive qualities as well.

4. Suggest alternatives

Rather than blindly telling your boss that he is wrong, come up with alternate ideas and suggestions. You can make him feel that his solution/approach is right, however you may have better ideas, if he is willing to reconsider.

5. Do not pressurize

It is imperative to understand that as a boss, your superior will have ego and self-respect. So if he doesn’t agree to his mistake even after you take time to explain things to him, then it is best to just let it go instead of trying to make him agree. Some bosses are made that way and you cannot change them.