Do you ever find yourself disagreeing with someone at work?
This happens to everyone, but you may not be sure how to handle it.
Today, Michelle and Aubrey share five natural phrases that help you disagree respectfully without damaging your relationships at work.
Inevitable disagreements
Disagreements come up all the time.
Different opinions on how something should be run, timeline disputes, or simply seeing a situation differently.
Knowing how to handle those moments with grace is a key connection skill in any workplace.
Lindsay and Aubrey share that today’s episode was actually inspired by hearing the phrase “to each his own” in an older podcast episode.
You may have heard it that way, too.
In the past, “to each his own” was the standard form, but it has evolved over time to become “to each their own” in order to be more gender neutral and inclusive.
Five phrases for disagreeing respectfully
Having the right vocabulary makes it easier to share a different point of view without sounding offensive or disrespectful.
Here are a few phrases and expressions from Aubrey and Michelle that you can use.
#1: To each their own
Use this to show respect for someone else’s opinion without agreeing with it. It acknowledges that everyone has the right to their own view, even if it is not yours.
Example:
I probably wouldn’t do it that way, but to each their own.
#2: Agree to disagree
Use this when you and the other person are simply not going to change each other’s minds. It closes the disagreement without anyone having to back down.
Examples:
Ultimately, we see this differently. We’ll just have to agree to disagree.
We have agreed to disagree.
#3: You have your opinion, I have mine
This one makes it clear that both viewpoints are valid and accepted, and that the discussion is over.
It can also be adapted for talking about a third party.
Example:
I can’t believe you didn’t like that movie! I thought it was amazing. Oh well, you have your opinion, I have mine.
He has his opinion, I have mine.
#4: Whatever you think
Use this after explaining your concern or point of view to close the topic and hand the decision back to the other person.
Example:
I’m not sure we can make that deadline, but whatever you think.
I worry we won’t hit that number, but whatever you think. It might be good to set a lofty goal to push ourselves!
#5: Fair enough
A simple and clean way to accept someone’s opinion without fully agreeing with it.
It keeps things moving without making the disagreement a bigger deal than it needs to be.
Example:
Aubrey: You should try a cold plunge!
Michelle: No thank you, I’m a hard pass on cold plunges.
Aubrey: Fair enough.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay between Michelle and Aubrey showing these phrases in a real workplace conversation.
In this scenario, they are coworkers sharing their opinions about working remotely.
Michelle: I’m so much more productive when I work from home. No distractions, no commute.
Aubrey: Not me! I get way more done in the office. It’s easier to focus and collaborate.
Michelle: Fair enough, but I feel like meetings are just a waste of time in person and I leave thinking, “This meeting could’ve been an email!”
Aubrey: That’s true sometimes, but quick in-person conversations actually solve problems so much faster!
Michelle: I see your point, but I still would much rather be fully remote and never have to go to an office.
Aubrey: To each their own!
Takeaway
Disagreements are a normal part of working with other people.
The goal is not to avoid them but to handle them in a way that keeps the relationship intact.
These five phrases give you the tools to do exactly that.
You can hold your ground, respect the other person’s view, and move forward without any awkwardness.
Check out AEE 2655: Are You Slammed With Work? How to Talk About it For More Practical Everyday English.
Have you ever had to agree to disagree with a colleague?
How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments below!
