Saying “you are wrong” at work
Why it can fall flat
“you are wrong”
When a colleague hears “you are wrong,” they tend to defend themselves and stop listening to the actual point. Most of the time, the goal is to fix a fact, offer another view, or ask them to check something.
Say this instead
- 01
I see this differently. My report shows 340 units, not 430. Can we check the source together before the meeting?
Boss · Chat
Use it when you disagree with a number or claim, since it names the gap and offers a shared way to settle it.
- 02
I don't think that's right. The brief gives the 14th as the deadline. Could you check on your side?
Coworker · Chat
Quick factual corrections suit this one, because it points to a source and invites them to verify.
- 03
Thanks for sending this. Clause 4 in the contract says payment is due in 30 days, not 14. I've attached the page so we can confirm it together.
Client · Email
Pick this when a client misreads terms, since the evidence is attached and the tone stays neutral.
- 04
That step won't work as written, because the file needs sign-off first. Let's go through the process together so it's clear next time.
Someone you manage · Chat
Treating the mistake as a process issue lets you correct it and gives the person a way to learn.
- 05
Thanks for the update. The role was listed as remote, so an on-site requirement doesn't match. Could you confirm which one is correct?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Conflicting details call for this, because it states the mismatch and asks for clarification with no blame.
- 06
I understand why it looks that way, but our records show the order shipped on May 3. I've attached the tracking details so you can see the timeline.
Customer · Email
In a customer dispute where you hold the facts, it acknowledges their view and then shows the evidence.
- 07
Think the meeting is Thursday, not Wednesday. The invite says 10am Thu. Can you double-check?
Coworker · SMS
Handy as a fast, low-key fix when a mix-up could cause a missed meeting.
Examples
Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing the draft. I see the budget differently: the vendor quote we received is for 12 licenses, not 20, so the total should be lower. I've attached the quote so we can compare the figures. Could we go through it together tomorrow before it goes to Finance? Best regards, Kwame
Hi Frankie, I think the launch date is the 21st, not the 12th. That's what the latest plan says. Can you check before we tell the client?
What to avoid
- Opening with “you” and a verdict, such as “you always get this wrong”.
- Correcting someone in front of a group when a private message would do.
- Sarcasm, such as “Interesting theory”, to hint that they are wrong.
- Stating your view as fact with no source, example or number behind it.
- Piling on extra criticism once the main point has been made.