How to Disagree

Great CEOs don’t avoid conflict. They master it.

(Here’s how.)

The average CEO spends 76%
of their time communicating.

61% in meetings. 15% on calls.

How they handle disagreements in those moments
shapes their culture more than any mission statement,
ever could.

If you shut down ideas with phrases like:

“That won’t work.”
“You’re not getting it.”
“We have to fix this ASAP.”
“I hear you, but…”
“This is the only solution.”
“Just trust me on this.”
“Fine, do what you want.”

…you signal that honest input isn’t welcome.

The best CEOs know productive disagreement
builds stronger companies.

Here are 7 proven ways to lead smarter by changing
how you handle disagreement:

1. Ask About Roadblocks
↳ Turn “That won’t work” into an invitation
to solve problems together.

2. Reframe Your Perspective
↳ Replace frustration with better framing
when communication breaks down.

3. Break Down Problems
↳ Shift from urgent demands
to practical step-by-step solutions.

4. Validate, Then Expand
↳ Eliminate the “but” that erases
everything you just acknowledged.

5. Explore Alternatives
↳ Move beyond single solutions
to discover better possibilities.

6. Explain Your Reasoning
↳ Offer context instead of demanding blind trust
and invite their perspective.

7. Test and Measure
↳ Replace passive aggression with
data-driven decisions everyone owns.

Here’s the reality…

Strong CEOs don’t fear disagreement.

They use it to make better decisions.

The right words don’t just change conversations.
They change companies.

Which phrase will you replace today?