How Smart People Sabotage Their Careers

How many decisions at work have you disagreed with?

Probably more than a few. Especially decisions that directly impact your work, team, or your future.

How you respond in those moments leaves a lasting mark on your career.

Disagreeing itself isn’t bad. It’s essential for making the best decisions. But how and when you disagree? That’s where things get tricky. Those choices shape your relationships and your reputation long after the moment passes.

When work decisions become personal

Years ago, I supported a senior executive at a multi-billion-dollar company rolling out a major reorganization affecting thousands of employees.

This leader wasn’t reckless. They gathered feedback, listened carefully, and built a clear vision. But they had to be strategic. They couldn’t share every detail in advance, mainly because it impacted some of their direct reports.

Eventually, we began communicating the changes.

One senior leader impacted by the change was furious. They thought it was the wrong decision and felt they should have been picked to lead one of the new teams.

Instead of aligning behind the decision and helping move the organization forward, they:

• Complained loudly and repeatedly

• Refused to help implement the change

• Undermined the decision with anyone who would listen

It didn’t end well. They were ultimately asked to leave.

The issue wasn’t their disagreement. It was how they handled it.

Why do smart, capable people derail themselves over disagreements?