Approaching my CEO about a bad decision of his
seven: When I get a new customer, I usually tell her something like this:"It is very possible that sooner or later we will not have the same opinion on a topic.I am always open to change my mind, but until this happens, I will fight for my opinion.But: Any time during the discussion you have the right to stop me with the words 'I am the boss and now playing my boss-card.'. I will accept that without any harsh feelings, as it is your business and not mine.I see it as an obligation to prevent you from doing, what I consider to be wrong. But in the end you have the last word, even if I totally disagree, I will do my best to help going your way."This worked several times. I have the feeling that it even helps to calm down a heated discussion when I say, 'hey, you are free to play your card..'. I guess this makes my customer feel that I do not argue just to be against her but to help.Another thing: It happens that I do change my mind, as I was not aware of the whole picture. This might not be true for your situation, but I try first to understand why somebody has a different opinion on a topic.And: Sometimes you just have to accept that you can not rescue everybody.