Alternatives to “that's a stupid idea” at work
Why it can fall flat
“that's a stupid idea”
The word “stupid” puts the focus on the person who came up with the idea, so they stop listening before the actual concern is heard. A specific question about the risk gets the same point across and keeps the conversation going.
Say this instead
- 01
I don't think this will work as it stands. My biggest worry is the timeline. Can we look at a couple of other options before we commit?
Coworker · Chat
Suits a quick team chat when you disagree but still want to solve the problem together.
- 02
Hi Bethany, I have some concerns about this approach, mainly the cost and the risk to the launch date. Could I walk you through them before we decide?
Boss · Email
Fits an idea from your manager, since it names the concern and asks to talk without criticizing them.
- 03
I'm not going to go with this one. The risk is bigger than the benefit. Tell me what you were trying to solve and let's find another route.
Someone you manage · Chat
Gives a clear no to someone you manage while showing you took the goal behind their idea seriously.
- 04
Thanks for the suggestion. I wouldn't recommend this option, as it would likely put your deadline at risk. I'd like to propose a different approach we can discuss.
Client · Email
Helps when a client pushes a idea you think is a mistake, because the reason is framed around their interests.
- 05
Honestly, I'm not sold on the Friday change. Can we talk for five minutes before you send it out?
Coworker · SMS
Good when time is short and you need to stop something before it goes out.
- 06
I see it differently. My worry is that it adds work for the team without fixing the root issue. Can I suggest another option?
Boss · Chat
Lets you disagree openly with a senior person while staying calm and offering a way forward.
- 07
Thank you for the suggestion. We won't be making this change, because it doesn't fit with how our service is set up. I'm happy to explain if that would help.
Customer · Email
Right for declining a customer's idea honestly without making them feel foolish.
Examples
Hi Peter, Thanks for sharing the plan to move all client calls to Monday mornings. I don't think it will work, because that is when the team is already busy with weekly reports and calls would probably be rushed. Could we look at Tuesday or Wednesday instead? I'm happy to talk it through today. Best regards, Gemma
I don't think the all-hands survey will get honest answers if it isn't anonymous. Can we think about a different format before we send it?
What to avoid
- Don't label the idea or the person with words like stupid, silly or pointless.
- Sarcasm, such as “Great, another brilliant plan,” turns disagreement into mockery.
- Raise it privately first instead of criticizing in a group channel.
- A bare verdict helps no one, so name the specific problem you see.
- Softening so much that your disagreement disappears, as in “Maybe it's fine, I guess,” leaves the problem unaddressed.