Disagreeing agreeably: An essential skill in the Canadian workplace

How to disagree at work

A workplace where everybody agrees and nobody disagrees will not grow. As American writer Walter Lippmann said, “Where all think alike, no one thinks very much.”

Disagreeing is sometimes needed to improve work. In the Canadian workplace where politeness is a priority, how do you disagree without offending anyone?

How people disagree in other cultures

Different cultures see disagreement in different ways:

French and Germans welcome disagreement. It is “being honest and transparent”.
(The secret to disagreeing with people from 20 different countries in one chart).
Southeast Asians may take disagreement personally. They don’t like it.
Disagreeing is accepted in Canada as long as it is tactful. You have to soften your language.

Why do we need to know these differences?

We work in multicultural environments.
It will make us more mindful when we communicate.
It helps us understand others, prevent misunderstandings, and helps us choose the most effective way to communicate in the workplace.

Lionel Laroche-Cross Cultural Feedback: Message sent vs message received.

How to disagree politely in the Canadian workplace:

Stay calm
You will speak better when you are calm. You will have a respectful tone.
Be professional
Don’t use insults or sarcasm.
Copy other people’s communication style
Canadians will never say, “You are wrong!” or “I disagree with you.”
Three ways they will disagree:
- Show that they understand the other person’s opinion
  Examples:
- Start with an apology
  Examples:
- Say they’re not sure
  Examples:
Offer another solution
You can say: “If you ask me, I think we should…” or “What do you think about doing _____ instead?”
Separate the issue from the person
Disagree with a statement or an idea, not the person. Maintain a good relationship with your co-workers. Don’t resent them after the discussion.
Accept differences
Say “let’s agree to disagree on this” if you can’t come up with an agreement.