Despite of having a lot of ideas and topics on what to write about, I have been motivated to write on this subject. This is attributed to having spent some time on social media. This theme seems to keep coming up so, here I am. Writing on it. 

I don’t mean to stir up any types of pots or controversy, however, I do believe that intelligent disobedience has gone under the radar for a little too long. By understanding what intelligent disobedience is, the importance of it, and by correctly implementing it, we can become valuable employees and leaders.
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What is intelligent disobedience?
This term: intelligent disobedience is most often seen in the training of service dogs. These service animals are trained to go against the orders of their owners in effort to make a better decision. For example: a blind man is walking down the street with his service dog. They approach an intersection. The man hears the street signal to walk and instructs the animal to go. The animal does not go. The dog sees a vehicle coming in their direction and, in order to avoid harm to his owner, he disobeys the instruction. The owner may be frustrated due to lack of understanding regarding why his dog is refusing his instruction, however, his dog is right to disobey.

Let’s transfer this logic in the work environment.

Your boss tells you to do something that contradicts your values. He is also telling you to do something that, if caught, can lead to serious consequences. This includes up to termination of your job. However, you do know that if you go against what is being told, you will have some backlash. You know it from a history of watching others before you suffer these consequences. What do you do? Do you go along to get along? Or do you stand your ground?

​How can we implement intelligent disobedience?

1. SET YOUR VALUES: Most companies have a set of values in place to keep the employee’s mind focused on the outcomes that they wish to achieve. I have written an article on this website regarding value setting for more information. 
2. SEEK TO BE UNDERSTOOD: Let it be known that your intentions are not to sink your boss, but to better him/her, and for the betterment of the company. You can do this by building rapport with your boss and colleagues. The more they get to know you, the more susceptible they are to your reasoning and logic. 
3. DON’T DISAGREE TO DISAGREE: This goes back to the second rationale. If you are that person at work that always argues just to argue then your point of view will be met with resistance. Don’t be that person. One of my favorite supervisors once told me “choose your battles wisely.” I’m giving you that advice. Only use intelligent disobedience as a last resort. 
4. STAND YOUR GROUND: If you truly believe that the situation that you were placed in was immoral or that there will be severe consequences if you go through with it then by all means report it. However, understand that there will be no going back. Once it is done, then it is done. To be quite frank, although there are laws against retaliation in the workplace, there are a lot of bosses who have ways around this through strategic maneuvers, and passive aggressive behavior. Stand strong on your values and do not waiver if this should happen. You are doing what you think is right. That is cause enough for you to continue to fight the good fight.

In Close
The value in intelligent disobedience has been seen in some of the greatest leaders this world has ever known. It takes great strength and courage to go against the grain and to stand tall on a foundation of values. However, for every great leader that has smartly used this skill, there are many that have failed to do so. Do not take intelligent disobedience lightly or for granted. By focusing on the definition and importance of intelligent disobedience we understand how to successfully implement it so we can continue to work in harmony with those around us.