Expressing your disagreement with a whole group

Having an opinion different from that of the group is rarely comfortable and often creates a dilemma: to express it at the risk of isolating yourself or even getting into conflict, or remaining silent and abandoning your point of view. However, there is also a third avenue to be explored...
Remember
First emphasize what brings us together
Before expressing your disagreement, identify what is shared and formulate it clearly: a point of view on the situation, a key idea, a value to defend, un objective to reach...
For disagreement should not oppose but rather assist in finding a common position.       
Formulate a hypothesis, not a truth
A differing position is better perceived and accepted when it is advanced in a flexible way, respectful of other positions.
Inversely, affirming it as a certitude is counterproductive; it would be better to express your idea as a hypothesis, to be investigated and confirmed together.       
Build upon the common interest
A differing position will be taken into account when it supports the common interest.
But the common interest is not always clearly set forth, and it may be necessary to propose a formulation and to have it accepted.
Once this agreement is shared, it then becomes possible to argue for the "dissident" position because it aims at a goal around which the group is rallied.       
Evaluation
Each question has only one correct response, but be careful: among the possible responses there is one that is "almost correct" and might make the choice harder!
1 / 3   We all agree!
All the participants in the meeting want to delay an action; you think this a mistake. What do you do?
Nothing. Since the majority agrees, you have no chance of changing their decision.
You give up a bit too quickly
You initiate a debate:"delaying the action is indeed a solution. Are there inconveniences to be anticipated?”
You open the discussion and it may be possible to see the situation in another light.
You insist, using diplomacy: but not delaying the action will make us more credible for what’s to follow, don't you think?
Best think about all the aspects of the chosen solution. You will then be able to argue.
You confirm your belief: "I don't agree, we can't postpone the action.We can't go back on our engagement".
There is a risk of counter-attack and people will no longer listen to you.
2 / 3   A tense situation
You and a team member don't agree on a subject that concerns you both and tension is mounting.What do you say to him?
We are not going to find a solution now. I suggest we deal with the other topics and we can get together after the meeting.
This is a wise decision. It would be best to continue just the two of you and not poison the atmosphere of the meeting.
 I am probably not the only one with this opinion (while addressing the other team members) am I?
This is risky! You are taking the other members as hostages.
Calm down, we are not going to tear each other to pieces in front the others!
Asking someone to calm down will only have the opposite effect.
But I simply cannot go along with that, you don't take into consideration the latest information...  
Pointless! if this subject isn't a priority in the meeting, best move on to something else.
3 / 3   Responding to an attack
You explain your disagreement and a participant retorts "you are not the best qualified to impose your point of view!" What do you reply?
I am not imposing my point of view, I am giving my opinion.
Unnecessary defending yourself at this stage.  And the most annoying point isn’t this one..
And why am I not qualified?
Questioning is a good idea but the question sounds like a challenge which will only strengthen the opposition of the participant.
Do you think you are more qualified?
Counter-attack, escalation of the problem assured!
Are you telling me I am not qualified enough to give my opinion on the subject?
Yes, you rephrase what was implied and draw your interlocutor into explaining things clearly. He will probably nuance his words.
Your score is
0/3
You finished!
To review the questions and responses, please choose from the list below.