Holy crap... Work.

[knumbskull]

yep, happens a fair bit IME.

i generally* try to make sure my concerns are put forward in a clear and constructive manner (on paper/email/record) and then get on with the job as best i can. sometimes they listen, sometimes not.

*or just sulk, grumble etc.

[AaronMB]

Pride and job ethic aside, if the design's success/failure doesn't impact your job security, then it's really up to you if it's worth your time and energy worrying about.

If they're the type of folks to let it fail then blame you, start writing up your concerns and alternatives--put in writing--and leave a [polite] paper trail to cover your ass.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by zachoff

Ever been in a meeting where there's a decision about to be made that you personally think is the worst decision you've ever been party to yet you'll be the one that must execute that decision? If yes, what did you do?

Originally Posted by zachoff

Yup... In no fewer words I said "I hate this design". I had no hand or input into the design, but at this point there's not much that's going to change. This was a "here's the design you're going to build" meeting.

This is how you handle it:

Originally Posted by carl h.

Tell them exactly why you think it is a poor decision and offer alternatives which are more likely to succeed.

When the idiots over ride you, just do your best, noting that your opinion was it was a bad choice.

[gttim]

I try to make sure my objections to the decision are in written form. Sometimes I will send an email after a meeting to the appropriate parties covering my objections and reasons, but noting I will be glad to go forward in the direction of the decision made. I also ask for a response of some sort, so I have proof they read it. Then I save copies!

My rear is covered.

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by gttim

I try to make sure my objections to the decision are in written form. Sometimes I will send an email after a meeting to the appropriate parties covering my objections and reasons, but noting I will be glad to go forward in the direction of the decision made. I also ask for a response of some sort, so I have proof they read it. Then I save copies!

My rear is covered.

If the direction is what they have now, this would be lying. The way it will probably work out is I say I don't want my name associated with this project, someone else will get it, and I'll get to do something else. Hopefully that's the way it goes, anyway. I just don't want to be associated with it. It's horrible.

[DwaynieAD]

Originally Posted by carl h.

Tell them exactly why you think it is a poor decision and offer alternatives which are more likely to succeed.

When the idiots over ride you, just do your best, noting that your opinion was it was a bad choice.

IMO the most important post on this thread.

"I don't like it" isn't productive, helpful, or likely to get taken into consideration.

"I think it would be better if we _____________" is helpful, and shows you are putting thought into the success of the project.

then as has been said do your best no matter what decision is made. but make sure your reasonable and thought out suggestions and objections are documented so when it falls on its face it isn't your feet over the fire

oh and stucco and brick can work well together if done right.

[Pilgrim]

^^Yup. State your opinion clearly, but not in deragatory language. State the options, and the probable consequences of each option.

Then if it fails, you are on record...and one of your options may just get adopted by someone else and be implemented. People usually take action on ideas after they have adopted them and made them their own.

[zachoff]

In case anyone cares I'm officially shopping for a new job. More bad decisions... Good times.

[blastoff99]

^^^^^

I feel your pain. Sorry.

[Unrepresented]

My management makes decisions I question. I am paid hourly, they are on salary. The more inefficiently they do things, the more I get paid and the less they do.

I am not always passive aggressive, but when I do, I get overtime.[/Most Interesting Man In The World voice]

[dmusic148]

So what happened? Is the design moving forward?

[Bting]

Originally Posted by two fingers

You did your duty. You told them in plain terms that the design stinks. If they override you, then go out and build the crap out of the bad design. In the end, if you are correct, it will come out for everyone to see. But if you protest too much now, and the design somehow comes together, you will lose your cred.

Best advice here.
Wanna know how I know?
I was in the exact same situation several times, and didn't follow it. I was right in all instances, but since I made enough noise about it, my noise nicley deflected the boobery that caused the noise to start with.
Now, I am a non-enitity at work with even less input and a reputation as a malcontent.
You can lead a horse to water, but you cant hold there head under until they drown.

Very likely the decision was made before the meeting was called. An exec/manager had there heart set on it, and that was it.
You can protest, you can point out better alternatives, youcan document the reasons why, but in the end, you simply have to accept that the superiors pay you, to do what they want, even if what they want is bull flop.
They really dont want contrary input, ever.

[dmusic148]

It happens because the laws of physics dictate that all executives are incompetent.
People get promoted until they reach a level that they can't quite actually handle, then remain there for the rest of their career.
: D

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

So what happened? Is the design moving forward?

Seemingly, and I'm moving on...

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

It happens because the laws of physics dictate that all executives are incompetent.
People get promoted until they reach a level that they can't quite actually handle, then remain there for the rest of their career.
: D

Meh. The Peter Principle doesn't always hold true. It's just another rationalization unsuccessful people like to use for why they haven't gotten any further in life than they have. It lets you feel better because you are able to convince yourself "The reason I am not a big shot executive is because I am obviously way too smart. If I were stupid, I would get promoted like the rest of the boobs who outrank me."

More often than not, they get there because they know things others don't, and outperform others. Larger companies figured out the Peter Principle decades ago, but college professors still love to preach it because it rationalizes why there are people who outrank THEM. They project their rationalization onto you, and the circle of misery continues.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by two fingers

More often than not, they get there because they know things others don't,

Like who knocked up the VP of HR...

[zachoff]

Originally Posted by two fingers

More often than not, they get there because they know things others don't, and outperform others. Larger companies figured out the Peter Principle decades ago, but college professors still love to preach it because it rationalizes why there are people who outrank THEM. They project their rationalization onto you, and the circle of misery continues.

Or they get there because they're willing to. I've been asked to be a manager a few times and have said no. I can manage work, timelines, and projects just fine. People... Different story. Plus, I don't want to stop coding & most developers turned managers do just that.

[UncleFluffy]

It happens. Sometimes you can deflect the coming asteroid, sometimes you can't and have to watch it hit. Repeat the holy mantra "the customer is always right as long as I get paid" 100 times and leave your mental stresses behind as you walk out the office door at the end of each day.

(and warm up your network to look for another job)

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by two fingers

Meh. The Peter Principle doesn't always hold true.

I was just kidding around, hence the : D
Didn't know it had a name. Huh.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by UncleFluffy

leave your mental stresses behind as you walk out the office door at the end of each day

The key to a stress free life.