“That's crazy”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   I'm surprised by that timeline. I don't think it's realistic with the current team. Can we look at what could move?

   Boss · Chat

   Use it when a deadline or target seems unreachable, because it names the problem and invites a fix.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Wait, really? That doesn't match what I understood. Can you walk me through how you got there?

   Coworker · Chat

   Try it in a live chat when a claim surprises you and you want the reasoning before you react.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Thank you for the update. I have concerns about this request as it stands, because it goes beyond what we agreed. Could we talk through the options?

   Client · Email

   Send it when a client asks for too much, since it pushes back on scope while staying friendly.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   I'm not convinced this approach will work. Can you talk me through your thinking so I can understand it properly?

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Pick it when you doubt a team member's plan, because it states your doubt honestly and asks for their reasoning.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Thanks for explaining. That's not what I'm seeing on our side, so let me share what our records show and we can compare.

   Customer · Email

   Choose it when a customer's account conflicts with yours, since it disagrees without calling them wrong.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   That doesn't sound right to me. Can we talk before it goes any further? I have some concerns.

   Coworker · SMS

   Text it when you need a quick pause on something surprising and a call or chat would help.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Thanks for sharing the offer details. The salary is well below what I expected for this role, so I'd like to discuss it before going further.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Use it when an offer is far from what you expected, because it keeps the door open for negotiation.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Calling a person or their idea “crazy” or something similar, because that attacks them rather than the point.
• Sarcasm or a raised eyebrow emoji can't replace a clear statement of what you disagree with.
• Reacting in a group channel is risky when a private message would let the other person explain first.
• Stopping at the reaction leaves people guessing, so add what surprised you and what you'd like to happen next.

Related phrases

• A kinder way to say “do your job”→
• Better ways to say “this is a toxic work environment”→
• “That's unfair”: how to say it politely→
• Saying “that's weird” at work→
• Alternatives to “that's insane” at work→
• Better ways to say “why are you leaving?”→