Handling a disagreement about a project with a colleague

Situation

You and a colleague disagree on the direction of a project. This dialogue shows how to defend your point of view while staying respectful.

The roles

AYouBA colleague

You
Listen
Je comprends ton point de vue, mais je vois les choses autrement.
I understand your point of view, but I see things differently.
A colleague
Listen
D'accord, explique-moi. Qu'est-ce qui te dérange dans ma proposition ?
Okay, explain to me. What bothers you about my proposal?
You
Listen
J'ai peur qu'on manque de temps si on choisit cette approche.
I'm worried we'll run out of time if we choose this approach.
A colleague
Listen
C'est un risque, c'est vrai. Mais elle donnerait un meilleur résultat.
That's a risk, it's true. But it would give a better result.

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Simplifiez votre vie au Québec · Simplify your life in Quebec

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Handling a disagreement about a project with a colleagueDialogue 95

You
Listen
Et si on combinait nos deux idées ? On garde la tienne, mais en version simplifiée.
What if we combined our two ideas? We keep yours, but in a simplified version.
A colleague
Listen
Ça pourrait fonctionner. On gagnerait du temps sans tout sacrifier.
That could work. We'd save time without sacrificing everything.
You
Listen
Exactement. On peut en discuter avec l'équipe pour valider ?
Exactly. Can we discuss it with the team to confirm?
A colleague
Listen
Bonne idée. Je suis content qu'on ait trouvé un terrain d'entente.
Good idea. I'm glad we found common ground.

Vocabulary

Culture note

In Quebec, you can express disagreement directly, but with tact. Looking for a compromise and confirming with the team is generally well perceived.

Web version

Translations, save words, play all.

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Simplifiez votre vie au Québec · Simplify your life in Quebec

Dialogue 95 / 369 · p. 193–194 / 742