Do your employees know how to disagree with you?

Section 5 : You can disagree without breaking trust

One of the biggest fears in disagreement is that it will damage the relationship. But when handled with respect, it does the opposite. It strengthens trust. Because what you are really saying is, “I care enough to be honest with you.”

The trick is to separate disagreement from disrespect. You can challenge an idea without attacking the person behind it. Tone matters. Timing matters. But clarity matters too. Avoiding the hard truth to keep the peace is not kindness at all. It’s delay. Trust grows when people know they can speak honestly and still be heard.

You do not need to frame disagreement as confrontation. You can say, “Here’s what I’m wondering,” or “Can I offer another angle?” Simple phrases like these soften the entry point while still creating space for truth. When everyone understands that disagreement is not personal, it becomes easier to practice it more often.