I get asked this question a lot and certainly there has been some recent controversy when we read about Bob over at Chris Brogan's blog, an employee at a Fortune 500 company that chose to move forward engaging in social networking on behalf of his company over the protests of his boss.

Many defended Bob, and just as many more said that Bob needed to wake up and smell the coffee.

But what do you do when you are sure that you are right about something but your boss won't listen to you? Many moons ago I wrote a post, which still is one of the most popular on this blog where I said:

In order to practice public relations as a management function, one must exhibit courage – the ability to push back against management decisions that don’t have the best interests of the stakeholder firmly in mind.”

In 2006, when I said this, it was a somewhat revolutionary statement, but today it has been adopted by many that practice public relations and use social media and networking tools.

However, all of this bravado and conviction must be tempered by common sense. You rarely get your way by telling someone that they are wrong. Have you ever noticed that?

I asked my Twitter network what they would do:

QUESTION: What do you do when a client, or your boss, won't take your advice:1) go around them 2) make a better case 3) give up 4) Other (explain)?

 

	SarahFowler @kamichat Make a better case but if it's occurring often eventually give up and look for another job! SarahFowler @kamichat Yes, and pointless for both of you since your boss isn't using you – a total waste.
	JonClements @kamichat Put to them the likely outcome for not doing it and scare the living be-Jesus out of them. JonClements @kamichat Yes, but clothed in the veil of love, care and exemplary customer service.
	fritzpw @kamichat If it is something I truly believe in then I'll wait until another premium opportunity to present my case in a different light.
	KellyeCrane @kamichat I try to make a better/detailed case, and put it in writing (usually by email, so I can copy others and make my position clear)
	siyab @kamichat 4) Some things are better kept secret 😉 siyab @kamichat 😉 I let such clients go on talking… they usually tire out and agree with me 😉 If not, I do as they say. what else can i do? 🙂
	radinfo @kamichat make a better case and then listen to why they won't take the advice
	TheDaveCollins @kamichat Make a better case! If that doesn't work… give up. The client is always right. Even when you know they're wrong 🙂
	MikeDriehorst @kamichat Depends on situation, but generally speaking, I'd say #2 or #3 (can't win all battles), but remember for next time. 16 minutes ago from TweetDeck in reply to kamichat MikeDriehorst @kamichat Actually, tact differs on if other is client or boss. Don't take same approach.
	SlowDownFAST @kamichat Boss = accept. Client = persuade.
	KarenRussell @kamichat my colleague Bryan Reber co-authored an entire book on power/influence in PR:
	KathySierra @kamichat re: if client/boss won't take your advice–horse trainers ask, “can you set things up so your idea becomes their idea?”

I would like to hear what you would do.