Disagree With a Subordinate, a Superior, or a Person In Authority • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

Since you probably want to resolve a problem rather than simply disagree, avoid making accusations. It is best to state the issue clearly, explain why you disagree with the proposed course of action, and make your recommendation. Keep the tone respectful.

How to write this disagreement letter:

  1. State your disagreement.
  2. Explain your reasons for disagreeing.
  3. Explain any course of action that you deem appropriate at this point.
  4. End by expressing your trust or confidence in your reader.

Example Letter #1

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As his parent, your concern regarding this news is understandable. Your son Eric is failing history and English. In addition to his failing grades, Eric has poor attendance records in both classes taught by different teachers. On the two history exams that Eric did take, he received a passing score of 65%. Unfortunately, he failed to show up for two other exams and therefore received a failing score on both. In English, Eric missed three out of five days last week.

Eric has received several reprimands and detention. My secretary has left two messages on your answering machine as well as sent two letters to your home. Only by writing to you at work can I feel certain you will receive notice of the situation. Because of Eric's poor performance, he will need to attend summer school in order to graduate with his class. Please call me directly if I can answer any questions you may have.

Example Letter #2

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While I understand the need to restructure our department, I disagree with the plan to lay off nearly half of my staff. This team has worked remarkably well to implement the ambitious plan you proposed last year, and I feel it would be a mistake to break them up.

I would like to meet with you to discuss more modest ways of improving our department's efficiency without the problems that a large layoff could cause. I will be very happy to meet at your convenience. Please let me know when you have time to hear my proposal.

Example Letter #3

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I want you to know that I respect you as a manager and that the following does not change that regard. I have studied the issues concerning the Doe project and am certain our present course of action is detrimental and should be corrected. I strongly disagree with the cost and time estimates given and am certain the costs we will incur far outweigh the benefits.

I am writing a detailed justification and, with your permission, will be prepared to brief you by Monday. I will need one hour of your time. I am confident you will make some changes after hearing what I have documented.

Example Letter #4

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I must state that I disagree with your assignment of my student, John Doe, to detention last Friday. I was in the midst of disciplining Harold in the manner recommended by the school counselor when you walked up and sent Harold to detention. I feel that by doing this without discussing it with me first, you undermined the authority I have earned in my classroom. I would be glad to meet with you to discuss issues of discipline and authority in the classroom so that we can better understand each other in these areas.

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 State your disagreement.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • For the record, I would like to make clear my opposition to the proposed consolidation of the support division.
  • I received your letter opposing the consolidation of the Doe and Johnson Divisions. Despite the problems you identified with such a move at this time, we believe we should go ahead with the plan.
  • On Friday, October 23, my son Eric was given a two-week suspension for failing to walk his bike on the crosswalk in front of the school. I feel the penalty was excessive.
  • I know you were eager to have your friend John Doe come on board for the marketing position, but we have decided on another candidate.
  • I would like to make it clear for the record that I am adamantly opposed to Doe's proposed development within the Springfield Creek Aquifer. I understand this decision was made while I was out of town last week. I consider it to be hasty and unwise.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • after careful consideration of
  • after studying the
  • am aware that
  • am adamantly opposed to
  • am very concerned about
  • am aware of the rationale for
  • believe that we should
  • don't agree with
  • even though I understand
  • express my concerns
  • feel it important to
  • for the record
  • have you considered
  • in spite of the
  • must state my
  • my disagreement with
  • my opposition to
  • object to
  • understand that you
  • want to let you know
  • would like to express

2 Explain your reasons for disagreeing.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • I firmly believe that five years from now will be a better time to consolidate. By that time attrition due to retirement will allow us to consolidate with fewer lay-offs, and the new Doe Building will be finished, allowing us to move in immediately.
  • We studied your objections carefully and found that the degree of attrition and the cost of moving will be minimal. It is to our advantage to consolidate now.
  • My son and several of his classmates at the crosswalk agree that another student with a jacket similar to my son's rode across the crosswalk while my son walked across in compliance with the rules. Even if he had been guilty, the offense hardly warrants a two-week suspension.
  • I am sure John would have done a good job, but the person we hired has exceptional qualifications supported by five years of successful experience. The hiring committee couldn't ignore the evidence that she was the best choice.
  • Many properties we are reviewing for development are far less controversial. The Springfield Aquifer is very important to the local environmental community, and they would muster a lot of opposition to such a project. I don't think we are in a position to get involved in such a controversy.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • am not satisfied that
  • an important decision
  • certainly has merit
  • decision that merits more
  • doesn't make sense to
  • firmly believe that
  • hardly warrants such
  • have studied your
  • have you considered
  • is my understanding that
  • looks good on paper
  • more appropriate way to
  • my rationale for
  • should not lose sight of
  • should also be considered
  • the repercussions of
  • while I am not opposed to
  • will allow us to
  • would be to our advantage
  • would be more efficient

3 Explain any course of action that you deem appropriate at this point.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • I would like an opportunity to present a counter-proposal before acting on this matter.
  • We too are concerned about the people who will lose their jobs. Arrangements are underway to work out an early retirement for as many as possible.
  • I think it is important to withhold judgment on this matter until we can meet to discuss the entire policy. I would like to meet with you at your earliest convenience. Perhaps others would also like to have some input.
  • I believe you will agree after you have had a chance to work with her. Another position opening in January more closely matches John's qualifications. We will keep his file on hand for consideration then.
  • I suggest that we table this matter until we can consider all the ramifications.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • am also concerned about
  • assess the situation
  • at your earliest convenience
  • before taking further action
  • can reach agreement
  • if you would
  • is important to
  • need more input from
  • need to meet to discuss
  • need to act soon
  • request that you
  • seems to be time to
  • study the enclosed
  • support this decision
  • table this matter
  • take into consideration
  • time to reassess
  • to be given the opportunity to
  • warrants further study
  • withhold judgment on
  • would like you to
  • would only be fair to
  • would appreciate being included

4 End by expressing your trust or confidence in your reader.

Sample Sentences for Step 4
  • However, if a final decision has already been made, I will abide by it and devote my full energies to its implementation. Thank you for considering my concerns.
  • Your letter showed an appreciated thoughtfulness and concern for the company. Your suggestions are always welcome. We look forward to working with you on this project.
  • I would like to meet at your earliest convenience. Please let me know when that would be. My number is 555-5555.
  • Thank you for your understanding in this matter; we are sorry it did not work out.
  • I am sure that after more research, we will be in a better position to make a good decision.
Sample Phrases for Step 4
  • am sure that
  • am confident that
  • appreciate your
  • best interests of the
  • cannot reconcile myself to
  • get the job done
  • in a better position to
  • let me know
  • look forward to
  • mutually agreed on decision
  • paying attention to
  • taking the time to
  • thank you for
  • to our best advantage
  • trust that you
  • will do my best to
  • will support the final decision
  • will abide by
  • would like to meet with
  • your consideration of
  • your understanding in this matter

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