Bossed Up

How to Disagree in a Way That Earns Respect

6 snips
Jan 27, 2026
A guide to voicing disagreement at work in ways that boost your leadership presence. Short strategies show how to surface assumptions with a question, name differing views clearly, and offer a concise counterpoint backed by evidence. Covers why always agreeing can hurt your reputation and how thoughtful dissent creates space for better decisions and career growth.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Agreeableness Can Hide Leadership

  • Emilie Aries observes that women are often conditioned to agree and avoid rocking the boat at work.
  • She argues that always going along risks missing opportunities to be seen as a thought leader and critical thinker.
ANECDOTE

Workshop Pushback Left A Strong Impression

  • Emilie recalls a workshop where she challenged participants instead of nodding along.
  • A senior engineering leader later said that her pushback shaped his positive impression of her leadership.
ADVICE

Start With An Assertive Question

  • Ask assertive clarifying questions like “What do you mean?” to challenge assumptions calmly.
  • Use questions to invite explanation and evidence before stating your disagreement.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app