"Respect is shown in how you disagree, not how often you agree."

Today’s Ladder:

Do It Right, Not Risky.

What if disagreeing with your boss could actually strengthen your career instead of ruining it?

I used to think pushing back was dangerous.
Keep quiet, nod along, and avoid conflict.

That was my strategy. But my silence came at a cost.

• My ideas stayed hidden.

• My credibility stayed small.

And the more I held back, the more frustrated I became.

The turning point came the day I finally spoke up.

I didn’t just disagree. I disagreed the right way.

And instead of getting shut down, I earned more trust.

Speak Up Without Stepping Back

Here’s the framework I now use to disagree without hurting my career:

1. Start with respect.
   I acknowledge their perspective first: “I see why that approach makes sense.”
   

2. Frame it as collaboration.
   Instead of saying “You’re wrong,” I say: “Can I offer another angle we might consider?”
   

3. Bring evidence.
   Opinions get dismissed. Data, examples, and solutions get heard.
   

4. Stay calm.
   The louder you get, the smaller your influence becomes.

I learned that leaders don’t want clones who agree with everything.

They want partners who help them see blind spots and make better decisions.

Disagreeing the right way isn’t about defiance.
It’s about contribution.

The goal isn’t to win the argument.

The goal is to win trust.

Takeaway:

Yes, It’s Possible

The other night, my wife and I couldn’t agree on what movie to watch.

She wanted lighthearted. I wanted action.
We went back and forth until finally, we compromised.

To be honest, I walked into the theater skeptical.

But here’s what surprised me:
after the movie, our dinner conversation flowed.

Because the compromise wasn’t about the movie.
It was about respect.
It was about valuing each other’s perspective, even when we disagreed.

That shift made the night richer for both of us.

And it reminded me of this truth in our careers too:

The best outcomes rarely come from pushing our own way through.
They come from alignment, clarity, and respect in the process.

That’s why I created the framework inside:

 👉 The 10 Career Commandments

It’s not just about working harder.
It’s about working with principles that make the journey better.

ICYMI: Links to recent issues

💵 Commandment #6: You Deserve to Be Paid Well.

⛔️ Stop Underselling Yourself: The Case for Backing Your Ask

🙋🏻‍♀️ How to Show Up and Win Before You Feel Ready

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Founder, Career Ladder | The 6PM Method