How do I tell my boss he's making a mistake?

Question

I just started my job back in April. Up until recently things have been going well. Then my boss decides to put me on a new project that is destined for problems. What's worse that the direction he's taking is all wrong and doomed to fail in the end. It's obvious to me that he's making a mistake but I don't want to get on his list of troublemakers.

Answer 1

Remember that the workplace is all about compromise. So don't tell him that his project is "all wrong" and "doomed." Sit down with him one on one (because some managers may not like to hear criticism in front of others.) Tell him you'd like to discuss the project. Tell him you have some suggestions you'd like to run by him that might improve it. Pick two or three things that you think should be done differently and discuss them.

That's it.

This talk about "putting it in writing" or "going to a higher manager" is not the solution. It will cause more problems. Putting it in writing will make it seem that you're paranoid about covering yourself - not necessary in most workplaces. Going to higher management will put you at odds with your boss - not a good idea.

Answer 2

Go to a management higher than your boss' and explain it to them

Answer 3

Is the mistake putting you on the job?

Give it your best effort and work to solve the problems then you'll be a star. Since we don't know what direction he's taking we can't help.

Answer 4

You're going to have to tell your boss in writing where the problems are and what can be done to correct it. If you don't your boss will be even angrier with you for letting the project fail when you knew what could be done to save it. Chances are the boss knows it has problems and is seeing if not only do you know how to correct them but whether or not you have the balls to tell him and present corrective action.