Question Authority

Trust, but (only after you) verify. Pick the ditch you want to die in. Those relate back to the “managing up” discussion we had earlier here in Marcomblog.

It is always good to be skeptical.

But, never - ever - trust a bushy mustached guy from Kuzcek, Kazakhstan … or a guy named Sacha Cohen.

I think it is important to question authority, but I also think that you have to be careful not to come across as condescending and a “know-it-all”. I agree with Robert that it is always good to be skeptical. As mentioned in the previous discussion about “managing up”, it is good to challenge authority, but it is also important to not overstep your boundaries. As a new generation of PR practitioners enter the job search, it is important to find that balance between challenging authority and respecting the experience of authority.

I agree that you don’t want to come across as a know-it-all, but I tend to lean toward skepticism. I think the best way to handle any situation is to ask yourself “is this definitely correct?” whenever you receive information. By thinking, and not responding automatically, you can save yourself from coming off as condescending.

The best example situation I can think of (outside of politics) is public relations classes. In just about every class we’ve had, we get a different spin on the best way to apply pr theories. If we didn’t stop to think about which ideas are important to hold onto, we’d never be able to make a decision.

So yes, it’s better to ere on the side of caution. Ask yourself, “is Josh’s comment completely true, or is he full of it?”

One person can only have so many ideas and opinions. When it comes to expressing your thoughts, you should take the risk and go for it. If you think something is going to prove to be beneficial, then offer it up. Remember to do it in a way that is going to be effective for the organization, but still maintains the level of respect you have established for authority. Its important to develop an understanding with the head of your organization where you can voice your opinion without skepticism and with confidence. An organization is designed to work as a team because a single person’s thoughts are never going to produce the best results.

Sometimes I find it hard to question authority. I’m not sure if it’s because I grew up in an uber-conservative family or because I’m just plain scared. Are employers who just hired an entry-level employee going to take criticism from him or her? How do you know where the line is between being respectful of people and their experience and wisdom and questioning their authority?

I agree when you say that one day it just comes naturally. Everyone has a different level of confidence in themselves. Some can be bold and stand behind what they say while others remain timid and hope he/she didn’t come off to strong. When you know something is wrong and you can correct it by all means do so. No one will jump down your throat for doing so. The bad thing is not saying something or not making suggestions that could help. Have confidence in your authority figures but also trust yourself and know that you’re supposed to wear your thinking cap at all times and throws ideas out when needed.

Questioning authority is always important. You should never take what someone tells you as fact without looking in to the matter yourself and establishing your own thoughts and opinions on a matter. However it also important to make sure you are not overstepping your place in questioning authority. I think it is a great thing to be confident and share your opinions, and question things but you want to make sure you are still remaining respectful and poised while doing so. A lot of times it is hard to maintain professionalism and question authority at the same time. What are your suggestions to doing so?

The statement “question authority” has always been important to me. I remember in elementary school getting in trouble for questioning my mom’s authority when she would ask me to do something. I always wanted to know why. That didn’t go over very well.

Now I’m old enough that it’s OK to ask questions like that or to tactfully think my way is better than another. That’s a strange transition to adjust to being able to question respectfully, to put things to the test and to verify that one way is the best way.

I have always been taught to question authority, my mother has always told me that if something does not seem right to you, follow your gut and question it. The reason it is good to question authority is because too many people abuse authority hence the term “power trip”. However, my mother always taught me to be respectful to those in authority. This can sometimes create a problem because how do you know when you’ve crossed the line, how do you know if someone thinks you are being disrespectful? Yes, there are verbal and nonverbal cues, but often times you simply will not know. I guess it is one of those things I will have to learn with future employers, and hopefully not the hard way!

Questioning authority is not an issue for me. I always think about what a person tells me to do before it’s done. It’s important to check the credibility of those who are trying to tell you what to do. I always ask myself these questions: “What gives them the right to tell me what to do?” “What position do they have that gives them the ability to be in charge?”

I know you have to be humble to authority, especially when you’re trying to work your way to the top, but that doesn’t mean allow someone to boss you around or treat you like garbage.

I love being a rebel with or without a cause, therefore I’m always willing to challege any form of authority that comes my way.

I must say that I have been what you might call a “rule-follower” all of my life, or at least until I came to college. I am still by no means a rebel, but I did find that sometimes authority was worth being questioned, and most of the time it was appreciated.

On that note, I feel that the best way to have a “challenge” well received is to present it with a certain amount of respect and courtesy. I believe that by doing this, you increase your chances of being heard and you also will earn and keep respect from the authority that you are challenging.

I think one of the best points made is to know when to fight for something and which “battles” to lose. If you get hung up on every single thing-not too many people will like you. You may be known as the person who has to have everything done his/her way. Nobody likes that person.

Know when something is important enough to challenge. Challenging authority can be a very good thing, as long as it is with the right situation. Something that questions your morals, ethics or values is important enough to challenge. But don’t sweat the small stuff.

I feel that I question just about everything, but when it comes to questioning those that give me my paycheck, I have a difficult time presenting my opinion. This is especially true with those that don’t match my personality. If I feel comfortable with someone, I would gladly put in my opinion even if it overrides their POV. I don’t like to give in to others, but I also highly dislike confrontations. So, I would say that it definitely would have to be a case to case basis on whether I would stand up to authority or not.

This post reminds me of a previous post on marcomblog about drawing the line between making suggestions and taking that too far.

I think it is always good to question authority. So many people, myself included, can get so wrapped up in going along with the “leader” or the smartest person with the most pull. But, I have learned, especially in college, that it is so important to stick to your gut feeling. If something is suspicious or can be done a better way, I believe it’s crucial to speak up.

Speaking up in the right situations and questioning authority can be benefical to your career.