http://tucsoncitizen.com/wise-work/2010/06/22/when-is-it-okay-to-criticize-your-boss-general-mccrystal/

In the news today, it seems that General McCrystal made some critical remarks about a number of people in the Obama administration (in Rolling Stone magazine). In the pecking order, President Obama is the General’s boss. Many of us have managers that we disagree with. What should we do when we disagree with what the boss is saying or directing?

Here are some tips:

1) first express your disagreement in private to your boss directly

2) if there is a culture of open disagreement, express your disagreement at a meeting where it is appropriate and do it without blame and keep your conversation professional

3) if there is not a culture of open disagreement, make sure that you suggest solutions and not criticism

4) if the matter is of great importance (as in the case of war!), perhaps write to your boss with your points clearly expressed, without making your boss wrong

5) if you can get an ally that has similar concerns, perhaps ask for a conversation with your boss without the appearance of “ganging up” on him or her

6) if you try and continue not to be heard, you have a choice as to whether or not to work for that person. I know this is easier said than done, but remember that you always have choice

7) don’t make your disagreements a public issue — it doesn’t help the morale of the troops, because that divides loyalties and causes internal conflicts