Submitted by synapsid on
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What should one say when a DR directly challenges a decision you have made, in front of the entire staff at a meeting?
Importantly, I have not yet introduced feedback, just O3s. I know that feedback will ultimately get the occurrences under control, but in the meantime, how do I counter things like this real-life example:
Me: I've decided to require each of our job applicants to provide, in addition to the usual materials, a brief stand-up presentation on skill X.
DR: Well, I don't think that's necessary.
Me: OK, I respect that, but I'm going to require it anyway because I want to see how they perform in this skill.
DR: Well, you're not going to learn anything from it.
Me: Maybe not, I guess we'll see.
DR: Yeah, it's not necessary. It won't give you any additional information.
Me: Well, as the head of this unit, I'm insisting that we include it.
Resorting to role power was the only thing that stopped this circular argument, which sounded like schoolkids "No I'm not, yes you are, no I'm not."
Any other tricks to get contrary folks on board?
From the discussion you
From the discussion you posted I think you may have missed an important question to ask your direct and perhaps that is why they were so insistant. That question is why? Why do they feel it wouldn't be necessary? Looking from the directs perspective, you are pushing your decision through without any exploration of why it would be or not be necessary. If they are like me (high D/C) then they were just trying to show what they see as ineffectiveness.
Regarding your question-- I would have acknowledged there view and suggested we talk about after the meeting in my office. Something like "I see you are passionate about this. How about we discuss it after the meeting in my office? I would like to hear your thoughts on this. As it stands now I will be requiring this presentation of all new applicants."
Sounds like you have a
Sounds like you have a direct who likes to opine in public regardless. First thoughts -
1. "noted', "as I said, noted - lets move on". or
2. (after the second push back) "OK, if it doesn't give me some insight, I'll buy you a donought. alternatively,
3. "Wow Jack, if you can't see the benefit of this, then I can suggest several managment books that might give you some thought".
4. "Jack I value your opinion, but not in this".
Chris
Thanks
Thanks for your replies. Paraphrasing one MT podcast, every once in a long while, you get to be the boss. I like both of these perspectives because (1) I was dismissing my direct's objections without really knowing why - I assumed he was just being argumentative, but I don't really know that. and (2) He may just like to opine in public regardless and so I might save a lot of horn-locking if I bring him up to speed ahead of time and don't spring things on him.
Good insight, thanks!